JAMMU, Jul 4: The General Category People’s Front (GCPF) held a meeting under the chairmanship of its Chairman, Raj Kumar Banathia, during which members discussed issues and challenges being faced by the general category community across the country.
Addressing the meeting, Front President Yash Paul Sanson alleged that the general category has been continuously neglected and sidelined by successive governments. He claimed that caste-based discrimination has increased in recent years and expressed concern over the continuation of reservation policies without periodic review. Sanson said excessive dependence on caste-based quotas and concessions in various sectors has adversely affected merit, equality and social harmony. He demanded the enactment of an “Equality Act” to ensure equal rights and equal laws for all citizens.
General Secretary S.N. Sharma said the promotion of caste-based politics and discrimination is detrimental to national unity. He urged the government to safeguard the constitutional rights and liberties of all citizens and ensure equal opportunities. Sharma also welcomed recent statements by Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav supporting reservation for economically weaker sections among the general category.
During the meeting, V.K. Sharma and Bhushan Pargal expressed concern over the rising prices of essential commodities and blamed government economic policies for the continued inflationary trend. They urged the government to take effective measures to provide relief to the common people.
Vice Chairman Jagdish Dora condemned the alleged donation theft at Ram Ji Mandir and demanded strict action against those responsible. He also sought 200 units of free electricity for all consumers and enhancement of the monthly medical allowance for employees and pensioners from ₹300 to ₹1,000. Dora further claimed that despite the general category constituting around 70 per cent of the population in Jammu and Kashmir, it receives only 30 per cent reservation, which he termed unjust.
The meeting concluded with Raj Kumar Banathia thanking all participants for their active support and participation.