JOIN USGujjars on warpath again in R'than, demand quota
Gujjar community is back to haunt the Rajasthan government with its demand of five per cent reservation in government services and education institutes.
Community leaders have given time till August 15 to the government to fulfil their demand and have threatened to hold mass agitation thereafter.
Rajasthan Gujjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (RGASS) has presented 13-point demand to the Raje government.
Community leaders alleged that the BJP government in its election manifesto had promised five per cent reservation to Special Backward Classes Community (SBC). But even after eight months no action has been taken on this front, they said.
Himmat Singh, Rajasthan Gujjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti leader said they will wait for government’s response till August 15. In case if the community is not satisfied, they will call a mahapanchayat where a final strategy for the agitation will be decided. The entire process will be completed in August, he said.
“We also demand quick disposal of cases against those who participated in the Gujjar agitation held earlier and a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and government job for family members of those who were killed in agitation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the leaders accused both Congress and BJP of playing politics over the quota issue.
Both governments have made the matter so complex that it is stuck in court. Himmat Singh said during Congress rule the community held four agitations. But no firing took place. Congress gave them one per cent reservation. On the contrary in the previous BJP rule they held two agitations in which 70 people were shot dead, the leader said.
Meanwhile, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Rajasthan Kisan Mahasabha have also announced to hold agitation for their demands. CITU will hold protests from August 13 against three labour reform bills passed by the Rajasthan Assembly on July 31.
“Workers of various unions affiliated to CITU in Rajasthan will hold demonstrations, rallies and sit-ins at all district headquarters on August 13,” Ravindra Shukla, CITU state president told media persons.
Rajasthan Kisan Sabha will hold three-day agitation from September 1 where dharnas will be held in each districts along with 72-hour hunger strike. Farmers want the Union government to implement recommendations of National Farmers Commission constituted chaired by Swaminathan.