Gujjars, govt set for third round of talks

JAIPUR - A 21-member Gujjar delegation will hold the third round of talks with the Rajasthan government here today.

In a late night development, Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsala has agreed to send the delegation to hold talks with the committee of state Ministers comprising Home Minister Shanti Dhariwal, Transport Minister B K Sharma and Energy Minister Jitendra Singh.

However, Bainsala will not be present during the talks.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed satisfaction on the second round of talks, which paved way for the next round, an official said.

Earlier, agitating Gujjars, demanding five per cent quota in state jobs, held second round of talks with the government after which the two sides said the negotiations were moving in a positive direction.

Earlier, Gehlot had said the community should understand the government’s limitations over the reservation issue as the matter is sub-judice.

“What is in our hands will be done for sure, but since the matter is sub-judice, there are some limitations too and they (Gujjars) must understand it,” Gehlot told reporters.

The agitation, which began in 2007, has claimed over 70 lives so far.

A year ago, Gujjars in Rajasthan fought police and members of another caste that already qualified for job reservations.

After the protests, the State government said it would spend Rs 2.8 billion on improving schools, clinics, roads and other infrastructure in Gujjar areas. But Gujjars rejected this option. (ANI)