Lok Sabha Passes Historic Bill Granting Scheduled Tribe Status to 4 J&K Communities

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Feb. The Lok Sabha on Tuesday reached a significant milestone by passing the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This landmark legislation aims to empower four communities in Jammu and Kashmir – the Pahari Ethnic Group, Padari Tribes, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin – by granting them Scheduled Tribe status, fulfilling a long-standing demand of these communities.

The inclusion of these communities in the Scheduled Tribes list will not affect the current level of reservations available to existing Scheduled Tribe communities such as Gujjars and Bakarwals. They will continue to receive reservations as before.

The reservation provided to the newly listed Scheduled Tribes will be implemented in a manner that ensures no adverse impact on the communities already listed as Scheduled Tribes. Once the bill is passed by Parliament, the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will issue necessary notifications on reservation, ensuring that existing Scheduled Tribes continue to receive the same level of reservation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership underscores the government’s commitment to the inclusive development of every section and community of society, guided by the principle of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vishwas” (Together with All, Trust of All). The passage of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, marks another significant step towards this goal.
The Modi government remains dedicated to bringing progressive and affirmative changes to Jammu and Kashmir through legislative actions aimed at fostering inclusive growth and development.