Various organizations across the country have called for a ‘Bharat Bandh’ on August 21 against the Supreme Court’s decision on creamy layer in Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation. Dalit and tribal organizations have called this bandh demanding strong representation and security for marginalized communities. The National Confederation of Dalit and Tribal Organizations (NACDAOR) has released a list of demands including justice and equality for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
What is the reason for the closure?
NACDAOR has taken a contrarian view of a recent judgment by a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court, which, according to it, undermines the earlier judgment of a nine-judge bench in the landmark Indira Sawhney case, which had set the framework for reservation in India.
NACDAOR has urged the government to repeal the decision. They argue that it threatens the constitutional rights of SCs and STs. The organisation is also demanding the enactment of a new Act of Parliament on reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs, which will be protected by including it in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. They argue that this will protect these provisions from judicial interference and promote social harmony.
NACDAOR has also demanded immediate release of caste-based data of SC/ST/OBC employees in government services to ensure their accurate representation. Apart from this, there is also a demand for the establishment of an Indian Judicial Service to recruit judicial officers and judges from all sections of the society. The aim of which is to get 50 percent representation from SC, ST and OBC categories in the higher judiciary.
The organisation has called for filling up all backlog vacancies in central and state government departments as well as public sector undertakings. The body said private sector companies benefiting from government incentives or investments should implement affirmative action policies in their firms. NACDAOR has appealed to Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs to participate in the peaceful agitation on Wednesday.
What are the two conditions
Cannot give 100% quota to any one caste within SC.
Before deciding the quota for any caste included in SC, there should be solid data of its share.
What is the demand?
The organisations calling for Bharat Bandh are demanding that the Supreme Court should withdraw or reconsider its decision on quota within quota.
These parties including RJD supported the shutdown
BSP, RJD have supported the Bharat Bandh called on the issue of reservation. Chirag Paswan’s party has also supported the bandh. On the other hand, Jitan Ram Manjhi and his party have said that they are against the bandh and do not support it. Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad is also getting support from Bharat Adivasi Party Mohan Lat Roat. Along with this, leaders of some parties including Congress are also in support.
What measures have been taken to maintain peace?
Police officials held a meeting to assess the preparations for the bandh to avoid violence. All divisional commissioners, district magistrates and senior police officials attended the meeting through video conferencing and were instructed to be prepared for the bandh. The police have reportedly been instructed to deploy more personnel in the districts to avoid any untoward incident.
What will remain open?
Emergency services including ambulances, hospitals and medical services will remain open. Government offices, banks, petrol pumps, schools and colleges will function normally. According to media reports, despite the call for a shutdown, public transport and rail services will remain operational.
Holiday in these districts of Rajasthan
In view of Bharat Bandh, holidays have been declared in schools of five districts including Jaipur, Dausa, Bharatpur, Gangapur City, Deeg. Apart from this, holidays have also been declared in schools in Gurgaon, Jhunjhunu and Sawaimadhopur districts.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)