Lok Sabha Passes Bill Granting ST Status to Paharis, Padari Tribes, Koli & Gadda Brahmin in J&K

Jammu, February 06: In a historic move, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha celebrated the passage of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha, marking a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking to X formerly Twitter account, the Lt Governor expressed his delight and stated “A historic day for Jammu Kashmir! Lok Sabha has cleared the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to grant scheduled tribe status to Paharis, Padari Tribes, Koli & Gadda Brahmin, fulfilling the long pending demand of these communities.”

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi , the government has ensured that the inclusion of these communities in the Scheduled Tribes list will have no impact on the current level of reservations available to Gujjars, Bakarwals, and other tribes. They will continue to receive reservations as before.

Following the bill’s passage in Rajya Sabha, the UT administration will issue necessary notifications to ensure that the newly included communities receive the same level of reservation as existing Scheduled Tribes.

The Lt Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to building a Jammu and Kashmir that focuses on balanced development and benefits all sections of society, promoting inclusive development.

He also urged the people and community elders to fulfill their responsibilities by countering any misinformation spread by miscreants regarding the level of reservation for the communities.

The Lt Governor emphasized, “I reiterate that the inclusion of new communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes will not impact the current level of reservations available to existing Scheduled Tribe communities such as Gujjars and Bakarwals.”