Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Include Paharis in J&K’s ST List Amid Protests
Lok Sabha has passed the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order Amendment Bill, 2023, to include the Pahari Ethnic Group in the Union Territory’s Scheduled Tribes list
Ayaz Mughal
In a significant development, the Lok Sabha has passed the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order Amendment Bill, 2023, to include the Pahari Ethnic Group in the Union Territory’s Scheduled Tribes list. This decision, however, has sparked protests led by the Scheduled Tribe Gujjar-Bakarwal community in Jammu, who fear dilution of their benefits. The Bill also adds the Gadda Brahman, Paddari Tribe, and Koli communities to the ST list. Additionally, a Bill to include the Valmiki community in the Scheduled Castes list of the UT was passed. While the government assures protection of existing ST quotas, opposition MPs raise concerns about the impact on Gujjar-Bakarwal community's rights. The move, seen as a reflection of the government's intent post-Articles 370 and 35a abrogation, is both lauded and criticized, reflecting the complexities of inclusion and reservation policies in the region.
