Backward classes are getting lot of benefits in Chhattisgarh: Sahni

Central Chronicle News
Raipur, Sep 24: National Commission for Backward Classes Chairman Bhagwan Lal Sahni appreciated the reservation being given to backward classes to get representation in three-tier Panchayati State Institutions and urban bodies. He said that better work is being done by the Chhattisgarh government for the welfare and protection of the interests of the backward classes. The works of the government have given importance to the people belonging to the backward classes in the state. Sahni appreciated the compliance of the rules of reservation in government departments and aided institutions. Expressing happiness over the people belonging to the backward classes being selected on the basis of merit in addition to reservation in the state of Chhattisgarh, he said that it is an example for other states. A meeting of officers was taken by the Chairman of the National Commission for Backward Classes, Mr. Sahni, regarding the various schemes being run for the welfare of the backward classes in the state and the implementation of reservation rules.
In the meeting, Adviser of the National Commission for Backward Classes Rajesh Kumar and Anand Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Panchayat and Rural Development Mrs Renu G. Pillai, Principal Secretary Health and School Education Dr. Alok Shukla, Secretary Scheduled Castes, Tribes and Other Backward Classes Welfare, D.D. Singh was also present. It is noteworthy that the chairman and office-bearer of the National Commission for Backward Classes is on a three-day stay in the state of Chhattisgarh. Chairman, National Commission for Backward Classes, Mr. Sahni suggested that a liaisoning officer should be in every department to see the reservation roster in the state, who should see whether the reservation rules are being followed or not. Secretary of the department D.D. Singh, while presenting the general information related to the geographical and population of Chhattisgarh state, informed about the works being done to the backward classes under various schemes.
He gave information about the backlog posts filled under the 14 percent reservation system in the state for backward classes in government services and also said that in proportion to the population at district and divisional level in the state, there are different positions in the third and fourth category posts. Roster system is also in place. The system of 14 percent reservation implemented in the undivided Madhya Pradesh state is still in effect even after the formation of Chhattisgarh state. Secretary D.D. Singh apprised that action is taken under the rules and instructions for issuing the caste certificate of backward classes, if a complaint is received in any particular case, appropriate action is taken on it. He said that in Chhattisgarh, Forest Rights Recognition Cards are being provided to the eligible people of backward classes. Under the Forest Rights Act, Forest Rights Letters are being issued to the eligible claimants who are occupying forest land and residing in the respective village for three generations before the cut-off date of December 13, 2005. Information about forest rights letters distributed to other traditional forest dwellers in the state was also given.
It was also sought by the Chairman of the National Commission whether reservation is being followed in the state universities or not.
On which information was given about the rules to be followed and it was also told that the work of reservation is also done in government-aided institutions. The Chairman of the National Commission was also apprised about the scholarship being given to the students of backward classes.