Bharat Bandh 2024 : The Arakshan Bachao Samiti has announced a nationwide Bharat Bandh on toady August 21, 2024. This bandh has garnered support from several organizations, including the Arakshan Bachao Samiti, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and others. Many people are wondering why this Bharat Bandh has been called and what will remain open and what services will be disrupted during this time.
Why has Bharat Bandh been called?
On August 1, 2024, the Supreme Court made a significant decision regarding the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) reservation, specifically addressing the concept of the “creamy layer.” The Supreme Court stated that not all SC and ST communities are equally disadvantaged. Some communities, such as those involved in sewer cleaning and weaving, are more backward compared to others. These communities, although part of the SC category, face greater disadvantages. To uplift these groups, state governments can create sub-classifications within SC-ST reservations and set aside separate quotas for them. The Court emphasized that this does not violate Article 341 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court also provided important guidelines for states, stating that they cannot arbitrarily implement this decision. Two conditions must be met:
- No single caste within the SC category can receive 100% of the quota.
- Before setting a quota for any caste within the SC category, there must be solid data supporting their share.
Which states are participating in Bharat Bandh, and what are the demands?
According to available information, this bandh has been called in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The organizations calling for the bandh are demanding that the Supreme Court reconsider its decision on sub-classifications within the quota.
What will remain open and what will be closed during Bharat Bandh 2024?
During the Bharat Bandh, emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and medical stores will remain open. Some transportation services may be affected, and certain private offices and shops might be closed.
It is important to note that no state government has issued official guidelines regarding the Arakshan Bachao Samiti’s Bharat Bandh. However, police and administrative authorities have been instructed to remain on high alert.
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