Dalit and Adivasi Groups Call for Bharat Bandh to Demand Wider Representation and Protection of Reservation Rights

Dalit and Adivasi organizations have called for a nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ on Wednesday, aiming to peacefully advocate for broader representation of marginalized communities in jobs and education, as well as to protect their constitutional rights. The strike, organized by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR), also includes demands to safeguard reservation rights among other issues. Emergency services and government offices are expected to remain functional during the bandh.

The Bharat Bandh follows a recent Supreme Court ruling on August 1, where a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, ruled by a 6:1 majority that states can sub-categorize quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure representation for more backward groups within these categories. NACDAOR has opposed the ruling, arguing that it undermines the landmark Indira Sawhney case, which established the framework for reservations.

Adding to the tension, on August 20, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, requested the withdrawal of advertisements for lateral entry into 45 posts of joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary levels. This move was criticized by Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who claimed it was an attack on the reservation rights of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and SC/ST communities.

NACDAOR’s list of demands includes the rejection of the Supreme Court verdict and the introduction of a new central law protected from judicial review by the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, they are calling for the immediate release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services and the filling of all backlog vacancies in central and state government departments, as well as public sector undertakings. The organization also advocates for private companies benefiting from government subsidies or investments to implement affirmative action policies.

Political parties like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Left parties have expressed their support for the Bharat Bandh. While public services are expected to be affected in states governed by these parties, emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and medical facilities will remain operational. There has been no official announcement regarding the closure of banks, government offices, or educational institutions. NACDAOR has urged all OBC and SC/ST groups to participate peacefully in the bandh.