Lok Sabha Passes Historic Bill Granting Scheduled Tribe Status to Communities in Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi:  In a historic move, the Lok Sabha has passed the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The significance of this landmark legislation lies in its commitment to empower and uplift the (i) Pahari Ethnic Group, (ii) Padari Tribes, (iii) Koli, and (iv) Gadda Brahmin by providing them with Scheduled Tribe status. This fulfills a long-standing demand of these communities in the region.

The inclusion of these communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir is a positive step towards ensuring their socio-economic and political empowerment. Importantly, the Bill guarantees that this inclusion will not have any adverse impact on the existing level of reservations available to the currently listed Scheduled Tribe communities such as Gujjars and Bakarwals. The reservations for these existing communities will remain unchanged.

The newly listed Scheduled Tribes will receive reservations in a manner that safeguards the interests of the communities already listed as Scheduled Tribes. The Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will issue necessary notifications on reservation after the Bill is passed, ensuring that the communities already included in the list of Scheduled Tribes continue to receive the same level of reservation.

This move aligns with the commitment of the Modi Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to inclusive development and the well-being of every section and community in society, adhering to the principle of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vishwas.” The passage of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 marks a significant stride towards progressive and affirmative changes in the region.