Amidst ongoing protests against the ST reservation demanded by the Dhangar community, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal reportedly attempted to jump from the third floor of the state secretariat building. The NCP MLA landed safely on a safety net, along with two other tribal legislators who also jumped in protest. The Ajit Pawar faction leader and other tribal MLAs were demanding that Dhangars not be given ST reservation and instead be given services under the PESA Act. The situation remains tense as discussions on the issue continue.
Unrest over Dhangar Reservation Demand: Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Attempts Suicide
Background:
The Dhangar community, classified as a Nomadic Tribe in Maharashtra, has been demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category for decades. This would grant them access to educational and employment reservations, as well as other benefits. The demand has been met with resistance from other ST communities, who fear it will dilute their own entitlements.
Incident:
On August 3, 2023, amidst ongoing protests over the demand, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA representing Ajit Pawar's faction, reportedly attempted to jump from the third floor of the state secretariat building. Along with two other tribal legislators, he landed safely on a safety net.
Demands:
Zirwal and the other MLAs were protesting against the government's intention to give ST reservation to the Dhangars. They argued that the community should instead be given services under the PESA Act, which protects the rights of traditional forest-dwelling communities.
Aftermath:
The situation remains tense, with discussions on the issue continuing. The government has yet to make a decision on the Dhangar community's demand for ST reservation.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Why is the Dhangar community demanding ST reservation?
2. Why are other ST communities opposed to the Dhangar demand?
3. What is the PESA Act?
4. What happened after Narhari Zirwal attempted suicide?
5. What is the current status of the Dhangar reservation demand?
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