Uttarakhand Assembly forms 7-member panel to deliberate on job quota for statehood activists

In Uttarakhand, the legislative assembly has taken a significant step by forming a seven-member committee to study a proposed bill. The bill aims to provide a 10% horizontal job reservation in government employment to individuals who played a role in the statehood movement of Uttarakhand, as well as their dependents. This move was initiated by Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan and has garnered support from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. However, concerns about the bill's details have been raised by lawmakers from both parties.

The legislation in question, titled the "Uttarakhand Reservation in Government Service for the Identified Andolankari of Uttarakhand Movement and their Dependents Bill, 2023," was referred to the select committee before the conclusion of the monsoon session. While the intent behind the bill was widely supported, members from the BJP and Congress noted some gaps that need to be addressed.

Committee's role and timeline

The seven-member committee will be led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal. While no specific deadline has been set for the committee's work, it is expected to submit its report as soon as possible. Although Prem Chand Aggarwal, the committee's head, was unavailable for immediate comment, the committee members will soon be informed of their appointment.

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Despite the general support for the legislation, it has faced criticism from statehood activists. They argue that the bill was rushed and lacks input from their side. They believe that the government should have meticulously prepared the draft and engaged in consultations with all stakeholders before presenting it in the assembly. Kashi Singh Airy, a statehood activist and president of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, expressed concerns about the rushed nature of the bill.

Additional demands and concerns

MLA Bhuwan Kapri from Khatima raised a demand for the bill to extend its reservation provisions to the recruitment conducted by the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC). BJP MLA Munna Singh Chauhan from Vikas Nagar also flagged certain provisions in the assembly and expressed concerns about potential legal conflicts. Chauhan suggested that the bill should be withdrawn and reviewed to ensure its effectiveness and legality.

Statehood activists are individuals who actively participated in the Uttarakhand statehood movement during the time when Uttarakhand was still a part of the larger state of Uttar Pradesh. Their collective efforts led to the eventual formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state on November 9, 2000.

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In summary, the Uttarakhand Assembly's decision to establish a committee to scrutinize the 10% job quota bill demonstrates a commitment to address the concerns and gaps in the proposed legislation. While there is broad support for the bill's intent, careful consideration and potential revisions are crucial to ensure its fair and effective implementation.