Punjab Cabinet to discuss rolling back backward status for Sikh Rajputs

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rana Kanwarpal Singh is among the prominent persons to have objected to according BC status, stating Rajputs had a glorious past and they should not be considered backward.

A year after Punjab Cabinet led by former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal accorded Backward Class (BC) status to Sikh Rajputs, the incumbent government may rollback the decision with several prominent Rajputs in state opposing the decision.

The issue will come up for a discussion during the Cabinet meeting scheduled Wednesday. During a Cabinet meeting on December 5, 2016, a nod was given to listing Sikh Rajputs as Backward Class. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rana Kanwarpal Singh is among the prominent persons to have objected to according BC status, stating Rajputs had a glorious past and they should not be considered backward.

Talking to The Indian Express, the Speaker said that he was asked for his opinion and he has told the government that Rajputs would never like to be put in the category of BCs.

Sources in the government said another prominent dignitary of Punjab, who was also a Rajput had strongly opposed the previous government’s move and has stated that it should be rolled back.

It is learnt that prominent Sikh Rajputs feel that if this community is listed as BC then what would happen to the rights of representatives of those communities that deserved the reservation for their upliftment.

Last year after the previous government’s decision, Capt R S Pathania of the Punjab Rajput Welfare Board had written a letter to the then CM and Deputy Chief Minister asking them to roll it back. He had stated that he was not taken into confidence before going ahead with the decision. He had stated that Rajputs believe in earning their livelihood with dignity and hard work.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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