Shutdown: Bihar to Rajasthan Impact, Key Organizations, and Demands

Dalit and tribal organizations have called for a ‘Bharat Bandh’ on Wednesday, demanding strong representation and protection for marginalized communities. The National Confederation of Dalit and Tribal Organizations (NACDAOR) has released a list of demands including justice and equality for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The bandh has affected several regions across the country, including Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. In Bihar, trains on the Patna-Arrah route were halted, and disruptions were reported in Darbhanga and Giridih. Schools in cities like Jaipur in Rajasthan were closed, and Gujarat saw mixed reactions to the bandh.

Protest Against Supreme Court’s Decision on Quota within Quota

Dalit and tribal organizations have called for a 14-hour Bharat Bandh on Wednesday in protest against the Supreme Court’s decision regarding quota within quota. The National Confederation of Dalit and Tribal Organizations (NACDAOR) views the Supreme Court’s ruling as a violation of the constitutional rights of Dalits and Tribals and has demanded that the central government overturn the decision.

What is the Supreme Court’s Decision?

Recently, the Supreme Court delivered a verdict on the quota within quota case. The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court ruled 6-1 that states have the authority to create sub-categories within reservations. This means state governments can create sub-categories within SC and ST groups to prioritize the most needy within the reserved categories. State legislatures will be able to create laws regarding this. The Supreme Court overturned its 2004 decision but stated that sub-categories must be based on proper data. The court emphasized that no single caste within SC should receive 100% of the quota and any caste quota in SC should be based on solid data. The decision was given by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Bela M Trivedi, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Mishra, and Satish Chandra Sharma.

Why is There Opposition?

The decision has sparked nationwide controversy. Opponents argue that it undermines the fundamental principles of the reservation system. Many institutions believe it is contrary to the reservation policy and will negatively impact the existing reservation system and weaken the concept of social justice. Protesters argue that reservations for SC and ST are meant to ensure justice for the marginalized due to historical oppression, not for social advancement. They view it as a conspiracy to end reservations.

Why Was Bharat Bandh Called?

The main objective of the Bharat Bandh is to challenge and reverse the Supreme Court’s decision and to pressure the government. Organizations are calling for the Supreme Court to withdraw or reconsider its decision on quota within quota. NACDAOR has urged Dalits, Tribals, and OBCs to participate in peaceful protests.

What Are the Demands?

The organizations are demanding that the government release data on the caste of SC, ST, and OBC employees in government jobs and ensure fair representation in the judiciary. They also want the establishment of a commission to recruit judicial officers and judges from all sections of society to ensure 50% representation of SC, ST, and OBC categories in the higher judiciary. They also demand filling all backlog vacancies in government and public sector enterprises and implementing affirmative action policies in private companies benefiting from government incentives. Additionally, they are calling for a new parliamentary act for SC, ST, and OBC reservations to be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to protect it from judicial interference and promote social dialogue.

Which Organizations and Parties Are Involved in the Bandh?

Apart from Dalit and tribal organizations, regional political parties from various states are also supporting the Bharat Bandh. This includes Bahujan Samaj Party, Bhim Army, Azad Samaj Party (Kashiram), Bharat Adivasi Party, and others like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and LJP (R). The Congress party has also supported the bandh, arguing that the Supreme Court’s decision goes against the core principles of reservation.

Which Services Will Not Be Affected?

Essential services such as hospitals, ambulances, and emergency services will generally continue during the Bharat Bandh. Government offices, petrol pumps, schools, colleges, and banks may remain open. Public transport and rail services are also expected to run. However, there has been no official information regarding the bandh, and meat and liquor shops might be affected.

Which Police and Administrative Alerts Are in Place?

The bandh is expected to have widespread effects, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. In Rajasthan, schools in districts like Jaipur, Dausa, Bharatpur, Gangapur City, and Dausa will be closed. Schools in Jhunjhunu and Sawai Madhopur districts are also closed.