Strip converts of quota benefits, demand tribals in Narmada

Central Gujarat based tribal organization Janjaati Suraksha Panch has demanded to remove those tribals who are converted to other religions from the list of Schedule Tribe. Coordinator of the panch, Mohanbhai Vasava and advocate Jitendrasinh Gohil presented Narmada district collector a memorandum demanding this, signed by 28,800 tribals early this week.

According to a memorandum, those who are converted to Christian and other religions should not be given benefit of reservation system in the name of Schedule Tribe status. In Rajpipla, Dediapada, Sagbara talukas of Narmada district, 20% tribals are now converted by Christian Missionaries to Christian religion, but such converted Christians are continuing to enjoy all the privileges of reservation system, occupying posts in government offices. This is unethical and not according to norms.

Jitendrasinh Gohil said “20% converted Christians are enjoying 80% benefits of reservation system while 80% tribals have no access to it.”