By IANS
Jaipur : The group spearheading the demand for special tribe status for the Gujjar community in Rajasthan is expected to present its case before a high-powered committee July 10.
"We have decided to put forward our case more effectively in front of the Justice Jasraj Committee," Kirori Lal Bainsla, leader of the Gujjar Aarkshan Sangarsh Samiti, told IANS Monday.
The committee has been formed by the Rajasthan government to look into the Gujjar demand to classify them as tribals.
Bainsla said Gujjar leaders would tour different districts of the state, make everyone aware of the demands and seek their views.
"We would seek the help of the educated among us to inform people about the demand and also to fill up a form that would be put forward before the committee," a Gujjar leader said.
The form would seek information on the Gujjars' residential areas, how far their homes are from residential colonies, do they live in jungles and do they own fertile lands or wastelands.
Other questions will include: do they seek the help of the judicial system in solving their disputes or try to solve it through the panchayat, what is their source of livelihood – is it cattle rearing, agriculture? Do they seek help for curing diseases from doctors or are they still dependent on old superstitions for cures for themselves and their cattle?
"We will compile this information before going to the committee," Bainsla said.
The committee was formed after protesting Gujjars and the state government reached an agreement on June 4.
Justice Jasraj Chopra, a retired judge of Rajasthan high court heads the committee while Professor Yogesh Atal, a sociologist of international standing, is a member. T. Srinivasan, a senior IAS official, is the special secretary.
The committee as a first step has asked the Gujjar community as well as others to submit memorandums and representations till July 16.
The Gujjars, who are currently classified as other backward caste (OBC), had held violent protests all over the state from May 29-June 4, demanding tribal status for better job and educational opportunities. At least 26 people were killed in the violence.