What steps is the Rajasthan government taking to address Gurjar and MBC demands?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Rajasthan government has formed a cabinet subcommittee to address Gurjar and MBC demands.
- The committee includes key ministers, ensuring representation from the Gurjar community.
- A Mahapanchayat highlighted the community's long-standing issues, prompting government action.
- Key demands include MBC reservation in the Ninth Schedule and job security.
- The government aims for dialogue over protests to resolve the issues.
Jaipur, June 30 (NationPress) The Rajasthan government has established a cabinet subcommittee consisting of three ministers to evaluate and respond to the requests put forth by the Gurjar community and various groups categorized under the Most Backward Classes (MBC).
The committee includes State Law Minister Jogaram Patel, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot, and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham.
Importantly, Bedham is a member of the Gurjar community and has previously been involved in Gurjar movements led by Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla.
His participation in the committee, particularly as Minister of State for Home, underscores the government’s commitment to engage with the community in a substantive manner, according to sources.
The creation of this committee follows a Mahapanchayat convened by the Gurjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti on June 8 at the Karwari Shaheed Memorial in Pilupura, Bayana (Bharatpur) to advocate for several longstanding requests, including the incorporation of MBC reservation in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
During the gathering, Samiti president Vijay Bainsla presented a draft proposal from the government, which the community accepted following a collective agreement. However, dissent arose from a faction opposed to the draft, leading to protests and railway blockades.
Minister Bedham addressed these developments, asserting that while everyone is entitled to express their views in a democracy, the government is receptive to dialogue without the necessity of protests. He questioned the rationale behind a Mahapanchayat when the government is already prepared to engage in discussions to resolve the issues.
The draft proposal shared by the government on June 8 included several crucial commitments: submitting a cabinet-level proposal to the Centre for the inclusion of the 5 percent MBC reservation in the Ninth Schedule, resolving outstanding recruitment matters within seven days by coordinating with the relevant departments, conducting monthly reviews of the Devnarayan Scheme with the participation of Sangharsh Samiti representatives, and offering compassionate appointments to the dependents of individuals who lost their lives during previous Gurjar protests.
The primary demands of the Gurjar community encompass constitutional security for the MBC reservation by placing it in the Ninth Schedule, complete and effective implementation of the 5 percent reservation in government jobs, strict adherence to prior agreements made during past reservation movements, effective execution of the Devnarayan Scheme, withdrawal of criminal cases filed during protests, and government jobs for the families of those who perished during the agitation.
Moreover, the community seeks appointments for the 372 unfilled positions from the 2018 REET recruitment. With this cabinet subcommittee now established, the government aims to devise practical solutions and preserve social harmony while tackling the longstanding concerns of the Gurjar community and other MBC groups, as stated by officials.