JAIPUR: After keeping the state on tenterhooks for several days, the agitating Gujjars on Wednesday accepted a formula proposed by the state government to meet their demand for 5% reservation in the state. The agitation was called off in the evening by Col Kirori Singh Bainsla, leader of Gujjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti.
The ‘magic formula’ to end the impasse emerged after a one-to-one meeting between chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Col Bainsla in the morning at the former’s residence.
“The government has conceded to our demand. They have given us in writing that the government would fight for our cause in the court and try to get us reservation within two months,” said Roop Singh, spokesperson of Samiti.
“Till then, we will continue to enjoy benefits under the OBC category in recruitments and get an additional 1% reservation under special backward classes. This 1% reservation is what is left in the state for 50% limit. Currently, the reservation in the state stands at 49%,” he said. “After the issue is settled in the court, the government will arrange us 4% reservation in a constitutional way,” Singh said.
Speaking to reporters, energy minister Jitendra Singh, who belongs to Gujjar community, said: “There will be dual benefits for Gujjars in future recruitments. Those wanting to apply as OBC can do so as they will be counted in this category. Additionally, the government has given them 1% reservation under SBC category. Those wanting to apply for government jobs under SBC will directly get the benefit of 1% reservation. The rest will continue in the court. If needed, we will fall back on the Maharashtra pattern once the issue is settled in the court.”
Himmat Singh, a close aide of Bainsla said: “In case the court rejects the government’s plea for special reservation for us then the government has assured of an alternative route of adopting the Maharashtra pattern and get us reservation outside the 50% limit.”
Bainsla, who agreed to the terms during a three-hour meeting with the chief minister, later left for the mahapadav (mass gathering) at Madanpur in Dausa district. He discussed the draft given by Gehlot with other leaders of the community and soon called off the agitation
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