Rajput Mahasabha seeks legislative backing for General category panel

A 24-member delegation of the Rajput Mahasabha, comprising representatives from all district and regional units, met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Friday evening. This marked their second official interaction since the reconstitution of the mahasabha’s executive body in April this year.

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During the meeting, the delegation raised concerns over the General Category Commission, which was notified on December 10, 2021, but never granted legislative backing by the Assembly. As a result, the commission lacks legal status and permanence, remaining non-functional and subject to dissolution by the government.

The mahasabha emphasised that several states—including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana—have already implemented institutional mechanisms to address the concerns of economically weaker sections (EWS) within the general category (non-SC/ST/OBC). They stressed the urgent need for Himachal Pradesh to adopt a similar approach to uphold principles of social justice and equity.

The delegation presented a charter of key demands, including enacting a legislative act to formally constitute the General Category Commission, defining clear Terms of Reference in consultation with organizations like the Rajput Mahasabha, and addressing discrimination in jobs, education, scholarships, and welfare schemes.

They also urged the state government to revise the income threshold for EWS eligibility from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh to align with central norms.

Chief Minister Sukhu gave a patient hearing, accepted the charter and instructed his OSD to arrange a follow-up meeting. General Secretary Vijay Chandel conveyed gratitude for the CM’s receptive and constructive response.