Gujjars may get a rude shock

The Justice Jasraj Chopra commission, set up to decide whether the Gujjars of Rajasthan deserved to be included in the list of the state’s ST, has rejected the suggestion, reports KS Tomar.

The Justice Jasraj Chopra commission, set up to decide whether the Gujjars of Rajasthan deserved to be included in the list of the state’s scheduled tribes (ST), has rejected the suggestion.

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The Chopra commission report was submitted to Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Monday, and is likely to be discussed in the cabinet on Tuesday. Since the subject was sensitive, its contents were not made public. But highly placed sources said the report had concluded that the Gujjars did not satisfy the criteria laid down to be eligible for ST status.

The 294-page report has recommended additional special measures to enable Gujjars make rapid economic and social progress, including a separate job quota for them in 14 districts, where they are present in large numbers.

At least 26 people were killed in agitations six months ago. With the Meenas, who enjoy ST status, opposing the Gujjars’ demand, Rajasthan appeared headed for a caste war until the agitators agreed to call off their stir following the setting up of the Chopra commission.

“The report will be placed before the cabinet for a final decision,” said Chief Minister Raje.