Lok Sabha passes the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Lok Sabha approved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on Tuesday.

The bill aims to empower the Pahari Ethnic Group, Padari Tribes, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin by granting them Scheduled Tribe status, fulfilling a longstanding demand of these communities.

This amendment will not affect the current reservation levels for existing Scheduled Tribe communities like Gujjars and Bakarwals in Jammu and Kashmir. The new Scheduled Tribes will receive reservations without impacting the existing ones. The Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will issue necessary notifications to ensure the continuity of reservation levels for existing Scheduled Tribes.

This move represents another progressive step towards affirmative changes in Jammu and Kashmir.