Udaipur, December 8: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued a summons to Rajasthan Chief Secretary following allegations of constitutional rights violations against the Bhil and Bhil-Meena communities. The issue stems from complaints that these tribes have been forcibly reclassified into the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, allegedly depriving them of their constitutional protections and entitlements.
This move comes in response to a formal complaint lodged by Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat, who highlighted the systematic manipulation of caste records to undermine the rights of the Bhil community. The NCST has also sought a detailed report from the Udaipur District Collector within 15 days.
The Allegations
Dr. Rawat’s complaint accuses state officials and past administrations of:
- Caste Manipulation: Altering the caste designation of Bhils in official land and population records, replacing the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status with the OBC category.
- Land Grabbing: Using the altered records to seize agricultural land owned by tribal families.
- Undermining Constitutional Protections: Depriving the Bhil community of their education, employment, and political reservation rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Historical Context and Alleged Conspiracy
Dr. Rawat’s complaint highlights:
- The traditional use of the term Rawat, commonly referring to village heads or tribal leaders in Bhil communities, was exploited to justify their reclassification.
- During the tenure of former Congress leader Gulab Singh Shaktawat, governmental orders allegedly facilitated this reclassification.
- A controversial government circular dated November 1, 1996, instructed that the term “Meena” be replaced with “Rawat” in land and population records. This change reportedly led to the forced reclassification of Bhil families into the OBC category.
- The Udaipur District Collector’s order in 2000 further directed the alteration of land records, reinforcing this alleged conspiracy.
Constitutional Violations
The complaint underscores that these actions violate several constitutional provisions, including:
- Article 338(A): Mandates protection and advancement of Scheduled Tribes’ rights.
- Article 342: Specifies the criteria for defining Scheduled Tribes, which were bypassed in this reclassification.
The MP also referred to the Lokur Committee recommendations (1965) that outline strict criteria for ST categorization, which were allegedly ignored in this case.
Impact on the Bhil Community
Dr. Rawat’s letter to the NCST paints a grim picture:
- Thousands of Bhil families across Udaipur and Chittorgarh districts have lost their tribal status, leading to the loss of reservation benefits in education, public employment, and political representation.
- Tribal lands were transferred to non-tribal entities, further marginalizing the community.
- The misuse of the Rawat designation, without proper awareness or consent, has perpetuated socio-economic exploitation.
NCST’s Response
Taking cognizance of the complaint, the NCST has invoked its powers under Article 338(A) to investigate the matter. The Commission has directed the Chief Secretary to:
- Submit a detailed report on the actions taken in response to the allegations.
- Provide documentation and explanations for the changes in caste records.
Additionally, the Udaipur District Collector has been instructed to clarify the role of local officials and revenue authorities in executing these changes.
Dr. Rawat’s Call for Justice
Describing the situation as a “criminal conspiracy”, Dr. Rawat emphasized that the Bhil community’s livelihood, education, and constitutional safeguards are under attack. He urged the NCST to take immediate corrective action, ensuring justice for the affected tribal families.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
