| Amid reservation row, Bakarwals push for ST sub-categorization | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 25: Amid intense debate over existing reservation rules, another campaign has been started demanding the subcategorization of Scheduled Tribes (ST).
This campaign has gained momentum on social media and is spearheaded by Bakarwal activists. They argue that despite having ST status, their community remains marginalized, with minimal representation in government jobs and bureaucratic roles.
Leading the campaign, activist Irfan Choudhary emphasized the need for reform to uplift the Bakarwal tribe, which he described as "the most backward and marginalized" within the ST category. "We will file a petition demanding the subcategorization of Scheduled Tribes to ensure justice for the Bakarwal community. While others in the ST category enjoy elite privileges, we are left far behind," Choudhary stated.
Choudhary highlighted glaring disparities within the ST category, noting that the literacy rate among the Bakarwal community is just 16.5 percent, and their representation in government jobs stands at a mere 2 percent. He contrasted this with other ST communities, which he claimed are "elite and urbanized," benefiting disproportionately from the current system.
Drawing comparisons with Haryana, where subcategorizat Amid intense debate over existing reservation rules, another campaign has been started.
Bakarwal activists argue that despite having ST status, their community remains marginalized
They claim that they have minimal representation in government jobs and bureaucratic roles.
The Bakarwal tribe is the most backward and marginalized within the ST category.
The demand for subcategorization has sparked a wider discussion about the equitable distribution of benefits within the ST category in Jammu and Kashmir. Activists plan to intensify their campaign through legal channels and public mobilization in the coming months.
As per existing reservation rules, the Scheduled Tribe-I category is eligible for getting a 10 percent reservation and Bakewals fall in this category.
The Bakarwal tribe is primarily concentrated in the hilly areas of the state, particularly in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu, and Doda.
The Bakarwals are a nomadic pastoral community who mainly herd goats and sheep. The name Bakarwal comes from the word Bakariwale, which means goat herders or goat and sheep rearers. The Bakarwals are part of the largest Muslim tribe in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the Gujjars.
The Bakarwals were notified as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) under the Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Tribes Act, 1991. |
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