In Rajasthan, SC, ST bodies sharpen pitch for sub-quotas, creamy layer exclusion

In Rajasthan, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) bodies are intensifying their push for sub-quotas and the exclusion of the "creamy layer" principle in the reservation system. Rajesh Panchoriya, state coordinator of Aarakshan Upvargikaran Sangathan, argues that a few SC castes, such as Kohli, Meghwal, Jatav, and Bairwa, have monopolized the benefits of reservation while many others continue to struggle.

According to Panchoriya, only four out of 59 SC castes in Rajasthan have received a significant share of the quotas. Additionally, in the 200-member state Assembly, where 25 seats are reserved for STs, only Kohli, Meghwal, Jatav, and Bairwa receive the majority of election tickets from major political parties.

Advocate Vinay Mahar from the Rajasthan High Court explains that the Supreme Court's August 2024 judgment allows states to sub-categorize SCs (and STs) for equitable distribution of reservation benefits, provided the sub-categorization is based on credible data and not arbitrary. However, not all SC castes in Rajasthan support this categorization.

Tribal body Bheel Vikas Sansthan's activist Arvind Bheel highlights the disparity in reservation allocation, stating that over 90% of ST reservations go to the Meena caste, leaving many other tribes underrepresented. Bheels in Rajasthan suffer from malnutrition and lack basic amenities like electricity and education, yet they do not receive adequate quota benefits.

Several organizations, including the Sanghathan and some Valmiki groups, are planning to hold an SC/ST mahapanchayat in Jaipur by year-end to raise awareness about the benefits of sub-categorization. The group aims to uplift Valmiki Samaj, which is at the lowest social status, facing social exclusion and discrimination. Despite the Supreme Court's constitutional verdict in August 2024, the Rajasthan Chief Minister and the principal Opposition Congress have not yet clarified their stance on SC/ST sub-categorization.

The state Congress chief, Govind Singh Dotasra, suggests that the BJP might try to undermine the reservation system, making SC/ST quota a key issue in the upcoming local body elections.