Defend quota rights of Valmikis: Capt Amarinder Singh to Punjab CM

Chandigarh, November 16

Former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today asked his successor Charanjit Singh Channi to defend the “reservation within the reservation” for the Valmikis and Mazhabi Sikhsduring direct recruitment in government jobs.

The former CM said he had in 2006 ensured the passage of a legislation in the Vidhan Sabha to safeguard the reservation rights of the Valmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs, since they mostly remained left out from the benefit due to their extreme educational and economic backwardness.

He said the Giani Zail Singh government in 1975 had reserved 50 per cent jobs within the reserved quota for the Valmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs.

Capt Amarinder said the circular was struck down by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in July 25, 2006. His government took the legislative route to safeguard the reservation rights of the Valmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs. The matter is in the Supreme Court.

He said he had learnt that some within the government were not keen to retain the “reservation within reservation” benefit for the Valmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs. Hence, the government was being advised not to pursue the case in the top court. — TNS

Tewari bats for Mazhabi Sikhs

Anandpur Sahib MP Manish Tewari has written to CM Charanjit Singh Channi to continue supporting the state government’s stand since 1975 on offering 50% of the quota vacancies for the SCs to Valmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs.

Don’t expect much from CM, says BSP

Citing the row over the appointment of AG and DGP, state BSP chief Jasbir Singh Garhi said the community shouldn’t expect much from CM Chani who could not appoint officials of his choice.