Bharat Bandh on August 21: Know The Reason

The Supreme Court’s decision (Bharat Bandh )allowing states to make sub-groups within the SC and ST categories has caused a lot of controversy. The ruling says that those who are most in need should get priority in reservations. Many social and political groups are against this decision, arguing that it goes against the basic principles of reservation. To protest this ruling and demand its reversal, a Bharat Bandh has been called.

Key Points on Bharat Bandh Scheduled for August 21

• Date and Purpose: The Bharat Bandh is scheduled for August 21, 2024, to protest a recent Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST reservations.
• Organizers: The protest is called by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, supported by SC/ST groups primarily from Rajasthan.
• Law Enforcement Preparation: Authorities are preparing to manage the situation, focusing on maintaining order and ensuring peaceful demonstrations.
• Rajasthan Police: Director General of Police, UR Sahoo, has instructed district Superintendents of Police to engage with local organizations and market associations to facilitate cooperation.
• Supreme Court Ruling: The controversy stems from the Supreme Court’s decision to exclude the “creamy layer” from the SC/ST quota, leading to widespread discontent.
• Jaipur Police Actions: Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph in Jaipur has started discussions with groups supporting the strike to prevent conflicts and ensure peaceful protests.
• Recent Protests: This Bharat Bandh follows other recent protests in India, such as hospital strikes and local trade union actions, reflecting ongoing socio-political tensions.
• Support: Various social and political organizations are expected to back the Bharat Bandh, emphasizing their opposition to the Supreme Court verdict.
• Impact on Services: Public transport and private offices are likely to be disrupted. However, emergency services, including ambulances, will remain operational.
• Sensitive Areas: Western Uttar Pradesh is considered particularly sensitive, with authorities placing police on high alert and implementing measures to protect public safety during the protests.

Bharat Bandh by Adivasi-Dalit Organizations in Kerala

• Protest Details: Various Adivasi-Dalit organizations in Kerala will join the Bharat Bandh on Wednesday to protest the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on the sub-categorization of reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• Allegations: Leaders of these organizations claim the verdict is designed to:
• Divide the SC/ST list along caste lines.
• Introduce a ‘creamy layer’ within the SC/ST categories.
• Exemptions: The bandh will not affect Wayanad district due to recent natural disasters.
• Organizers: The Bharat Bandh is organized by the Bhim Army and various Dalit-Bahujan movements.
• Primary Demand: They are demanding that Parliament pass legislation to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision.
• Government Response: Despite assurances from the BJP government that it will not implement the creamy layer, the central government has not yet addressed concerns about the creamy layer’s role in categorizing the list.
• Supreme Court Ruling: Earlier this month, a seven-judge Bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud ruled by a 6:1 majority that:
• State governments are allowed to sub-classify communities within the SC list based on empirical data.
• States must develop a policy to identify and exclude the ‘creamy layer’ among SCs and STs from receiving reservation benefits.
• Judicial Opinion: Justice B.R. Gavai, who wrote a separate but agreeing judgment, emphasized that states are empowered to make such sub-classifications to support more disadvantaged groups within SCs and STs.
• Union Cabinet’s Stance: The Union Cabinet has stated there is no constitutional provision for a creamy layer within SC and ST reservations as outlined by B.R. Ambedkar.

(With PTI inputs)

Bharat Bandh: What’s closed, what’s open?

The group organizing the Bharat Bandh has asked all businesses to close their markets on Wednesday. However, it’s still uncertain if businesses across the country will actually shut down, as there is no official confirmation from market committees about this.

The Bharat Bandh is expected to cause disruptions, especially in public transport and private offices. People might face difficulties getting around as buses and trains could be affected. Despite this, essential services will remain operational. Emergency services, including ambulances, will continue to function normally to ensure that urgent needs are met.

According to reports, government offices, banks, schools, and colleges are expected to stay open, even though the Bharat Bandh is taking place. Similarly, petrol pumps will be operational, so people should still be able to refuel their vehicles.

Other essential services will also continue without interruption. This includes medical services, which means hospitals and clinics will be available for those in need of care. Drinking water supply will be maintained to ensure that people have access to clean water. Public transport services like buses and trains will run to help people travel, and electricity services will stay active to provide power to homes and businesses.

In summary, while the Bharat Bandh might affect some areas like public transport and private offices, most crucial services such as healthcare, water supply, and power will not be disrupted. The situation with market closures remains unclear, as there has been no definitive word from market committees about whether businesses will close.

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