Rajput Mahasabha Supports Reservation Categorization Within Scheduled Castes; Calls for Implementation of Supreme Court Directive.
Shimla:
In a significant statement that could influence the socio-political discourse in Himachal Pradesh, the Rajput Mahasabha Himachal Pradesh has extended its full support to the demand for categorization within Scheduled Caste reservations, asserting that such a move is essential to uphold the true spirit of social justice.
In a joint statement, Engineer K.S. Jamwal (President, Rajput Mahasabha), Prof. Ashok Sarial (Senior Vice President and former Vice-Chancellor, Agriculture University Palampur), Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Dharmveer Rana (President, Ex-Servicemen Wing), and Vijay Chandel (General Secretary) said the time has come to ensure that the benefits of reservation truly reach the most marginalized sections within the SC communities.
The statement followed a meeting held in Palampur by the District Valmiki Sabha Kangra, during which dissatisfaction was expressed over the state government’s inaction despite a directive from the Supreme Court dated August 1, 2024, recommending reclassification within SC reservations and the removal of the ‘creamy layer’. The meeting resolved to submit a memorandum to the Governor of Himachal Pradesh through the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra.
Support for Valmiki Community’s Demand
The Rajput Mahasabha made it clear that it stands in solidarity with the Valmiki community in their legitimate demand. The leadership emphasized that for reservation policies to be equitable, it is vital that sub-categorization is done based on economic and social backwardness, rather than allowing a few dominant families to monopolize the benefits.
Supreme Court Directive Cited
The Supreme Court’s recommendation to amend the SC/ST Reservation Act and introduce categorization, including the removal of the ‘creamy layer’, is aimed at ensuring that the most underprivileged castes and families receive the actual benefit of affirmative action. Despite this landmark direction, the Rajput Mahasabha noted with concern that the Himachal Pradesh government has not yet taken any substantive steps towards implementation.
Disparities in Reservation Benefits
The Mahasabha further highlighted demographic insights, pointing out that Rajputs form the largest social group in Himachal Pradesh with 36% of the population, followed by Scheduled Castes at approximately 25%. However, it observed that over the past 75 years, the benefits of reservation have largely been cornered by a limited number of castes and families, leaving many deserving and economically weaker families without access to the intended support.
“There are families who have never received reservation benefits even once, while others have accessed these privileges repeatedly and are already part of the mainstream,” the statement said. This, they added, has created significant disparities in education and employment opportunities among SC communities.
Call for Immediate Legislative Action
The Rajput Mahasabha has urged the government to enact legislation without delay to implement economic-based sub-categorization within reservations. The objective, they stressed, is to bring truly underprivileged families into the mainstream of economic and social development.
“This is not just a demand from a particular community—this is a call for justice and balance in our society,” said K.S. Jamwal. “We urge the government to act swiftly and responsibly.”
