Talks resume between Rajasthan government and Gujjars over reservation issue

JAIPUR:Talks resumed here today between Rajasthan government and agitating Gujjars who have been blocking rail tracks and roads in three districts for a week now to press for five per cent quota in government jobs.

Both sides had detailed discussions last night over the issue though there was no conclusive result and the Gujjar delegation and a three-minister panel met again today at the secretariat here.

"We did not reach any conclusion last night so we are holding another round of talks today with the government."

"The outcome of the meeting will be shared with Kirori Singh Bainsla and our community people and thereafter a decision about our future course of action will be taken," Himmat Singh, the spokesperson of the Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti said.

A committee comprising Health minister Rajendra Rathore, Social Justice minister Arun Chaturvedi and Food minister Hem Singh Bhadana is holding talks with the 13-member Gujjar delegation.

Meanwhile, the Delhi-Mumbai rail track in Bharatpur, Agra-Jaipur national highway in Dausa and a state highway in Sawaimadhopur remained blocked today on the seventh day of the agitation.

Gujjars are demanding five per cent reservation within the legal limit of 50 per cent.

The agitating Gujjars led by Bainsla held the first round of talks in Bayana of Bharatpur town on Saturday last week which was inconclusive and the second meeting between the two sides was held last night in Jaipur.
After the initial round of talks today, Gujjar leaders said that they have been assured of a written proposal by the state government and the two sides will meet again in the evening.

"The government has assured us of a written proposal so we will meet again in the evening," Himmat Singh, spokesperson of the Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti told PTI.

He said that the draft and the outcome of the meeting will be discussed with their leader Bainsla and any decision about the agitation will be taken thereafter.

Social justice minister Arun Chaturvedi said that the issue was discussed at length and the talks will resume in the evening.

"The delibrations with the Gujjar delegations were held in cordial manner and will continue in the evening. Several points were discussed and the talks will resume in the evening," he told PTI here.