To avoid any further controversy over reservations, the Congress-NCP-led state government has decided to place the issue of quota for Dhangar and other communities in the central government's court.
When was the decision taken?
On Wednesday (Aug 13).
Who took the decision?
Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said it was decided at the cabinet meeting.
What was the decision?
The cabinet has decided to compile the demands of various communities in the state for reservations and submit it to the Central govt for taking a final call.
What did the CM say?
"The Lingayats in state are demanding inclusion in Other Backward Class list. In Maharashtra, BJP-Sena is supporting Dhangars' demand for quota. Let the Narendra Modi govt take a decision on the demand from different sections of the society for reservation."
Who are the Dhangars?
They are nomadic tribe of shepherds and agrarian people.
What do they want?
They want to be included in the scheduled tribe (ST) community.
What is the hitch?
Members of the ST community are protesting against the Dhangar demand saying they don't deserve to figure in the scheduled tribe list as they are not poor or backward.
What do those in ST list say?
"Dhangars are quite rich and progressive. If such a community is included in ST list, indigenous people in the list will be deprived of various special rights and opportunities. It was only after doing a thorough research that Dr BR Ambedkar included various communities in various lists while compiling the Constitution. The state govt should not buckle down under pressure from Dhangars who are a large community. They are playing dirty politics. Why can't they opt for the SC status where they will get more opportunities. We are poor and do not have strong leaders, therefore Dhangar are putting pressure on the govt ahead of state polls," said a tribal leader.
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