Outrage over state govt’s alleged SC sub-classification neglect

Shashi Gill, state president of the Bhagwan Valmiki Teerth Action Committee, has accused the Punjab Government of neglecting the Valmiki and Mazhabi Sikh communities in reservation policies.

He alleged that the state government completely ignored the Valmiki community during the recent recruitment of law officers in the Advocate General’s office.

Gill further charged that educational and other institutions have also failed to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Davinder Singh vs Punjab Government case, which provides for 12.5-12.5 per cent sub-classification within Scheduled Castes.

He described this neglect as a “calculated conspiracy” that has denied rightful entitlements to marginalised groups. Gill said the Supreme Court’s rule that SC candidates qualifying on general merit should be counted in the general category is not being followed by universities.

A written complaint has been lodged with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

The Action Committee has also announced to launch a state-wide campaign and seek legislative intervention to secure education and employment rights for these communities.