Uttarakhand govt announces separate state commission for STs

PITHORAGARH: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today announced formation of a separate commission for Schedule Tribes of the state on the lines of one constituted by the central government in the year 2003.

Addressing a rally, attended largely by tribal population in Dharchula town of Pithoragarh district, Bahuguna said the decision was taken keeping in view the nature of problems being faced by the tribal communities.

"Two separate commissions meant for Schedule Castes and Schedules Tribes will function separately in the state for the welfare of the communities under their purview. The work was being conducted by one commission till date," he said.

According to the chief minister, over five lakh ST people will receive benefits from the commission, structural formalities for which will be announced soon.

"We have taken this decision under the provisions of Section 338A of the constitution (89th amendment) under which the central government has constituted a separate commission for Schedule Tribes of the country in the year 2003.

"The Central Schedule Tribes Commission is functioning from the year 2004 onwards," the chief minister said.

Bahuguna, however, rejected the request to grant Other Backward Class status to the entire population of Pithoragarh district and said that in place of this, few particular castes were being considered for OBC status.

"We have asked the district magistrate to identify the castes which can be given place under OBC category, and then send the report to the government," he said.