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Journalism of Courage
The Gujjar community, demanding job quotas, is likely to call off its violent campaign on Wednesday after signing an agreement with authorities, community leaders and officials said.
At least 40 people have been killed since the Gujjars, who are demanding access to state jobs and college quotas, began their protests last month in Rajasthan.
Most of the dead were Gujjars shot by the police when their protest rallies turned violent.
“It is a historic day,” K.S. Bainsla, leader of the protesting Gujjars, said on Wednesday.
“We are fully satisfied with the talks which have been successful.”
Members of the community are demanding that their place in the Indian caste system be downgraded, making it easier for them to qualify for government jobs and university places reserved for such groups.
India reserves about half of all government jobs and seats in state colleges for people born into lower castes and tribal groups, who tend to be poorer than other Indians.
On Wednesday, government officials said they had worked out a package, but refused to give details.
“An agreement will be signed today in the afternoon between the Gujjars and the Rajasthan government,” said Ramdas Agarwal, heading the government delegation in talks with Gujjars, said in Jaipur.
Last year, the Gujjars fought police and members of another caste that qualifies for job quotas, leaving 25 people dead.
After these protests, a state government committee decided that Gujjars should not be downgraded, but said the government would spend 2.8 billion rupees ($67 million) improving schools, clinics and roads in Gujjar areas. Gujjar leaders rejected the offer.
