New Delhi,20.08.2024: The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) has announced a ‘Bharat Bandh’ tomorrow in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that they believe threatens the rights of marginalized communities. The bandh is set to highlight the demands for justice and fair representation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The NACDAOR has expressed strong opposition to a Supreme Court judgment that, according to them, undermines the landmark Indira Sawhney case, which established the framework for reservations in India. They have called on the government to reject the new judgment, stating that it endangers the constitutional protections for SCs and STs.
Among their key demands, the NACDAOR is advocating for the creation of a new Act of Parliament focused on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs. They are pushing for this legislation to be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, which would protect it from judicial interference. They argue that this step is essential for maintaining social harmony and safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups.
Additionally, the NACDAOR is urging the government to release caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services. This data, they argue, is crucial for ensuring accurate representation of these communities in public employment. The organization is also calling for the establishment of an Indian Judicial Service, which would aim for 50% representation of SC, ST, and OBC categories in the higher judiciary.
The NACDAOR has also demanded that all backlog vacancies in central and state government departments, as well as public sector undertakings, be filled immediately. They are further advocating for private sector companies benefiting from government incentives to implement affirmative action policies within their firms.
The NACDAOR has appealed to Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs across the country to participate in the peaceful protest tomorrow. The ‘Bharat Bandh’ is expected to be a significant demonstration of solidarity among these communities as they push for their rights and representation.
The bandh tomorrow is anticipated to have a considerable impact across the nation as various groups unite under the banner of equality and justice.
