Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 1: The General Category People's Front of India (GCPFI), under the chairmanship of Raj Kumar Banathia, convened today to address and discuss the ongoing grievances faced by the general category populace. The meeting focused on the continuation of caste-based discrimination through reservations, special privileges, concessions, and quotas.
Prof. Yash Paul Sharma, President of the GCPFI, applauded the recent verdict of the Hon'ble High Court of Patna, which stayed the Bihar government's decision to increase the reservation for SCs/STs/OBCs and extremely backward classes from 50% to 65% following a caste census. The judgment, delivered by the Bench of Hon'ble Chief Justice Vinod Chandra on March 11, 2024, ruled that enhancing the reservation limit beyond 50% violates Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Indian Constitution.
Som Nath Sharma, General Secretary of the Front, emphasized that reservation is not a fundamental right, countering claims by some politicians and pro-reservationists. He stated that while the right to equality under Article 16(1) is a fundamental right for every citizen, clauses (4) and (4A) of Article 16 do not confer a fundamental right to reservation. He argued that reservation was initially a temporary measure intended for ten years and should not be extended indefinitely. He called for the implementation of all Supreme Court verdicts on reservation without exceptions, the exclusion of the creamy layer, and the maintenance of administrative efficiency as required by Article 335.
V.K. Sharma, Vice President of GCPFI, reiterated the Front's stance against the unlawful and unconstitutional suppression and neglect of general category people, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others. He also demanded a 50% rebate in water and electricity bills, citing neighboring states that provide 300 units free to their residents.
Jagdish Dogra, Patron of the Front, advocated for a common civil code and the Hindu Temples and Shrines Board Act, calling for an end to government interference in Hindu religious affairs. Participants also criticized the L.G. administration for failing to increase the medical allowance for employees and pensioners, which has remained at Rs. 300/- per month for an extended period. Dr. Bansi Lal, Suridner Sharma, Bhushan Pargal, Kewal Sharma, Deepak Khajuria, Gopal Dass Verma, and Ravi Sawhney also expressed similar views during the meeting.
The GCPFI continues to push for equality and the protection of general category rights while advocating for necessary reforms in the reservation system. |
