A nationwide strike, or ‘Bharat Bandh,’ has been called for Wednesday by a coalition of Dalit and Adivasi organizations in response to a recent Supreme Court judgment that allows for the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) has issued a list of demands following the verdict, which they argue undermines the constitutional rights of SCs and STs. According to PTI, the organization is urging the government to reject the Supreme Court’s ruling and to introduce a new law that would ensure reservations for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are safeguarded. They propose that this new legislation be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, as laws in this schedule cannot be challenged in courts.

The strike aims to draw attention to the perceived threats posed by the judgment and to push for legislative changes that would protect the affirmative action framework currently in place for marginalized communities. The move reflects growing discontent and anxiety among Dalit and Adivasi groups over the potential erosion of their rights and benefits.
The nationwide strike has garnered significant support from various grassroots organizations and activists who view the Supreme Court’s decision as a potential setback for the progress made in affirmative action. The judgment’s allowance for the sub-classification of SCs and STs could, they argue, lead to a dilution of benefits and create new divisions within these communities, thereby exacerbating inequalities.

The NACDAOR’s call for the inclusion of the new law in the Ninth Schedule highlights their concern that the current legal framework might not be sufficient to protect the rights of marginalized groups. By placing the legislation in the Ninth Schedule, they seek to ensure that it is shielded from judicial review, which they believe could be necessary to prevent future legal challenges that might undermine reservation policies.

The strike is expected to impact various sectors across the country, with protests planned in major cities and towns. The demonstration aims to put pressure on the government to address the concerns raised by the SC and ST communities and to ensure that their rights are not compromised by judicial decisions.

In addition to the demands for legislative changes, the strike is also a platform for highlighting broader issues of social justice and equity. Activists hope to use this moment to reinforce the importance of strong affirmative action policies and to advocate for greater inclusion and protection of marginalized groups within India’s socio-political landscape.

The government’s response to the strike and the ongoing debate over the Supreme Court’s judgment will likely shape the future of reservation policies and could influence political dynamics in the lead-up to upcoming elections. The situation underscores the continuing challenges in balancing legal interpretations with the socio-economic needs of historically disadvantaged communities.