Chandigarh, October 27: In response to a question raised by Fazilka MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government is committed to granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to the Nayak community and will soon forward a proposal to the Government of India after completing the prescribed procedure.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed the House that granting Scheduled Caste status to any community involves a detailed assessment of its social, economic, historical and geographical background. During the process, various aspects related to the concerned community, including its social conditions, traditional status, and issues such as social discrimination and untouchability, are also examined.
She said that the matter is taken forward by the State Government on the basis of detailed reports prepared at the Deputy Commissioner level and supporting documents. Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that after receiving reports from all concerned Deputy Commissioners and compiling the required supporting documents, the proposal will soon be sent to the Government of India.
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The Minister further informed that after the State Government submits the proposal, the matter is examined by the Government of India and forwarded for further scrutiny and consideration to the Registrar General of India (RGI) and thereafter to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. Under the prescribed procedure, the Government of India takes a decision on granting SC status to any community only after a comprehensive assessment of its social, economic and other relevant aspects.
The Punjab Government remains fully committed to social equality, justice and ensuring a dignified life for every section of society. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State Government is continuously taking concrete steps to safeguard the interests of deprived and marginalised sections of society.