National Commission Summons Chief Secretary on MP's Complaint

Udaipur, The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued a notice to Rajasthan’s Chief Secretary in response to a complaint by Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat. The complaint alleges that Bhils and Bhil-Meenas, recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST), are being forcibly classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, depriving them of their constitutional rights. The Udaipur District Collector has also been directed to provide a response.

The NCST’s notice refers to a complaint submitted by MP Dr. Rawat on September 30, 2024. It states that the Commission, under the powers vested by Article 338A of the Indian Constitution, has decided to thoroughly investigate the matter. The Chief Secretary and the District Collector must submit detailed reports on the actions taken within 15 days.

In his letter to the NCST Chairman, MP Dr. Rawat alleged that this practice of forcibly classifying Bhils as OBCs has been ongoing for years, leading to the exploitation of tribal lands. He claimed that during the Congress regime, orders were issued to legitimize such actions, which he described as unconstitutional and aimed solely at seizing tribal properties.

Citing a complaint by Kanod resident Bhairulal Meena, Dr. Rawat highlighted that officials in Udaipur and Chittorgarh districts have allegedly allowed illegal transfers of agricultural land belonging to Scheduled Tribes to other categories. He further stated that such actions violate constitutional provisions related to reservations in education, employment, and political representation.

Dr. Rawat emphasized the cultural significance of the title "Rawat" within South Rajasthan's Bhil communities, where it traditionally refers to village leaders or chiefs, as recognized under the PESA Act, 1996. However, he alleged that this term has been misused to infringe upon constitutional rights, with local communities expressing concerns over its manipulation, which he attributed to former Congress leader Gulab Chand Kataria’s tenure.