RESERVATION TO STs IN J&K

RESERVATION TO STs IN J&K

TOPIC: Polity

Context- The Jammu and Kashmir Delimitation Commission has recently shared its interim report & proposed reservation of nine seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST). It is for the first time that seats have been reserved for the ST community in the legislative Assembly of J&K.

Concept-

• The dilution of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and the subsequent Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 changed political dynamics in the region.
• It promised them political reservation under Article 332 and led to the extension of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Constitutionally Guaranteed Reservation to STs:

• Article 332 of the Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies of the States.
• In Jammu & Kashmir, eight communities vide the Constitution (Jammu & Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989 and four communities, namely Gujjar, Bakarwal, Gaddi and Sippi were notified as the Scheduled Tribes vide the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 1991.
• Out of twelve (12) Scheduled Tribes, Gujjar is the most populous tribe followed by Bakarwal and Brokpa.
• Other Tribes include: Balti, Purigpa, Gaddi, Sippi, Changpa, Mon, Garra and Beda.
• Among all the tribes, Beda is the smallest group with a population of 128.