New Delhi, March 27 — Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu has demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Punjab’s extremely backward castes, including Bazigar, Nat, Bengali, Boria, Gadla, Sansi, and Barad communities.
Speaking in Parliament, he said that the lack of ST recognition deprives these communities of essential benefits and development opportunities.
Sandhu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives for the upliftment of backward castes through reforms in education, health, and religion but pointed out that Punjab’s backward castes have not received similar support.
He urged the government to include these seven castes under the ST Act to ensure their access to welfare schemes and facilities.
The demand was raised during an ongoing session of the Rajya Sabha, where commotion was also witnessed in the House.
