Jats want reservation under existing category

CHANDIGARH: Jats in Haryana seem to be in an argumentative mood as was evident from proceedings of a meeting held between community representatives and a committee of officers headed by chief secretary DS Dhesi on Sunday. A number of Jat representatives who met the committee insisted on including Jats and four other castes — Jat Sikhs, Bishnois, Rors and Tyagis — in the existing backward class category of the state government. The community leaders also pressed for withdrawal of criminal cases against Jats and release of youths arrested in the recent violence.

Hawa Singh Sangwan of All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti ( AIJASS) told HT that they have suggested some options to the state government. “Jats should be included in 27% backward class category and the quota percentage be enhanced to 50%. The other option is to increase the quota to 21% from the existing 11% in backward classes-B category and include five castes in it. Another option is restore the 10% special backward classes ( SBC) quota for Jats and four others,” he said.

When asked whether they will resort to agitation again, Sangwan said they trust the BJP government’s intention to provide reservation to Jats. “However, if the government deceives us, we will have to rethink our future course of action, which includes taking up path of protest again,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, AIJASS national president Yashpal Malik, in a letter to chief minister Manoh ar L al K hat tar on Sunday, stated that the committee headed by the chief secretary was unacceptable to Jat community. “What is the rationale behind the constitution of this committee when the central government has constituted a committee under Union minister Venkaiah Naidu to look into the Jat res- ervation issue,’’ Malik wrote.

The AIJASS chief said that Haryana government should pass a legislation to increase the percentage of reservation in backward classes-B category from the existing 11% to 20 % and include Jats and four other castes in it. “The state assembly should pass the Bill and send it to the Central government for including it in the ninth schedule of the constitution to grant immunity from judicial review,’’ he stated.