Early Times Report
Jammu, June 1: In a significant meeting held today under the chairmanship of Mr. Raj Kumar Banathia, the General Category People’s Front of India (GCPFI) delved into the socio-economic and political challenges faced by the General Category. The gathering, which saw active participation from key members, focused on the themes of unity, marginalization, and caste-based discrimination.
Addressing the assembly, Prof. Yash Paul Sharma, President of the Front, emphasized the growing sentiment among the General Category against continuous neglect and marginalization by the Indian political class.
Prof. Sharma pointed out that the low voter turnout and increased use of NOTA in elections reflect public anger towards divisive vote-bank politics and discriminatory policies. He underscored that these policies violate basic fundamental rights and international human rights.
Prof. Sharma called for the implementation of a legal provision under an ‘Equality Act’ to address these issues. He highlighted that since 1950, government policies have brought miseries to the Swarn castes, including Brahmans, Rajputs, and Mahajans. According to him, the ruling parties, including Congress and BJP, have betrayed these communities. He warned of the dangerous consequences these inequalities and injustices could have on social harmony.
S.N. Sharma, General Secretary of GCPFI, expressed strong opposition to the “abuse and misuse” of the constitution. He highlighted the ongoing discrimination faced by the Swarn castes in jobs, admissions, and politics.
Mr. Sharma demanded the removal of restrictions on Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Indian Constitution and emphasized the need to ensure the “Right to be elected” for all citizens. He urged political parties to recognize the growing discontent among the Swarn castes and to act accordingly.
Other notable members, including V.K. Sharma, Bhushan Pargal, Dr. Bansi Lal, Gopal Dass Verma, Deepak Khajuria, Surinder Kumar, and Jagdish Dogra, advocated for monetary assistance to educationally and economically backward families of all castes and religions, in place of the current reservation system. They argued that reservation policies have hindered the nation’s progress and called for a shift towards policies that promote equality and justice. |
