Saini announces sub-classification of SCs for job quota

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today announced that the Haryana Government would implement the Supreme Court’s decision allowing states to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes for reservation in government jobs.

Addressing the media after presiding over the first meeting of his new Council of Ministers, Saini confirmed that the state would begin implementing the decision “from today itself.” He emphasised that the Cabinet had decided to act on the Supreme Court ruling, which recognised the constitutional authority of states to make such sub-classifications for the benefit of socially and educationally backward castes within the Scheduled Castes (SCs).

MLAs to take oath next week

Saini announced that the newly elected MLAs would take oath next week, with a requisition to convene the Vidhan Sabha session being sent within the next couple of days.

On August 1, the Supreme Court ruled that states are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the SC category, recognising that it forms a socially heterogeneous class.

The Haryana State Commission for SCs had earlier recommended dividing the SC reservation for government jobs into two categories: the Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC) and Other Scheduled Castes (OSC). The DSC category includes 36 castes such as Balmikis, Dhanaks, Mazhabi Sikhs, and Khatiks, while the OSC category includes castes such as Chamar, Jatia Chamar, Rehgar, Raigar, Ramdasi, Ravidasi, Jatav, Mochi, Ramdasia. The recommendation suggested reserving 50% of the SC job quota for DSCs, as they are underrepresented in government employment.

In response to a question regarding an agriculture department notification about penalising farmers for burning crop residue, Saini denied any such plan. “There is no such thing,” he said. He emphasised that instead of punitive measures, the government is focusing on educating farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning and providing subsidies for equipment to help manage crop residue.

Saini also reviewed the ongoing paddy procurement during the Cabinet meeting. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to procuring every grain at the MSP. He also issued a stern warning to criminals: “I warn those involved in criminal activities to either leave the state or mend their ways. Otherwise, we will mend them.”