JAMMU: Gujjars and Bakerwals of State today demanded grant of reservation for them as Scheduled Tribes (STs) in all the recruitment conducted by J and K Bank and Grameen Bank at all levels. This issues was highlighted by the community members in a programme organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation here this afternoon. They sought intervention of J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik to direct banks authorities to implement the ‘Roster of Reservation’ in its true letter in spirit in all type of recruitments conducted by the banks.
The programme was held to discuss issues related to Gujjars/ Bakerwals STs. Noted Gujjar scholar Dr. Javaid Rahi presided over the programme.
Dr. Javaid Rahi, in his presidential address stated that State government is grating 10% and 8% reservations to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes of J&K respectively through SRO 294 applicable to all the bodies run under the control of J&K Government. Under said rules both the communities (ST/SC) are entitled for grant of 18% reservation in recruitment/ promotions in all the services/posts advertised in Jammu and Kashmir State.
The speakers mainly drawn form tribal communities maintained that the ST/SC together comprising more than 25% population of the sate but were being ignored by the local Banks form time and again. They said that all the Banks of India operating from different states are providing adequate reservation to SC/STs in all type of recruitments excepting JK Bank and Grameen Bank,
They said that there are standing directions from Reserve Bank of India to provide equality to Tribal communities by granting reservations to weaker sections of societies in all type of recruitments.
The speakers said that J and K Bank vide its notification issued in October 2018 advertised 1450 posts under ‘Recruitment 2018’ but there is no mention of reservation for SC/STs which is mandatory as per state laws and RBI directions . They further said in last recruitment whereunder 582 posts were filled up by the Banks no reservation was granted to SC/ ST by the Banks.
The speakers said that J and K Bank (JKB) and Grameen Bank during last 20 years filed up hundreds of posts at various levels but no reservation was provided to these reserve categories especially the STs and the rights of downtrodden communities were suppressed openly.
The speaker said Gujjars and Bakerwals which constitute 20% of State’s population having less than 0.1% representation in both the Banks which is negligible.
