Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has said that the state government is committed to granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to the Nayak community and will soon send a proposal to the Government of India after completing the prescribed procedure.
Replying to a question raised by Fazilka MLA S. Narinder Pal Singh Sawna in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that granting SC status to a community requires a detailed assessment of its social, economic, historical and geographical background.
She explained that the process involves examining various aspects of the community, including its social conditions, traditional status and issues related to social discrimination and untouchability.
The minister said that the state government is processing the matter on the basis of detailed reports prepared at the Deputy Commissioner level, along with relevant supporting documents. Once reports from all concerned Deputy Commissioners have been received and the required documentation compiled, the proposal will be forwarded to the Centre.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further clarified that after receiving the proposal, the Government of India examines the matter and forwards it to the Registrar General of India (RGI) for scrutiny, followed by consideration by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
She said that the decision to grant Scheduled Caste status to any community is taken by the Centre after a comprehensive assessment of its social, economic and other relevant circumstances, in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
Reiterating the state government's commitment to social equality and justice, the minister said that the government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is taking steps to protect the interests of deprived and marginalised sections of society and ensure a dignified life for all.
