In a major development ahead of the State Assembly polls, the Gujarat Government on Tuesday gave assurance to agitating pro-quota Patidar leaders that it will withdraw cases against Patidar youngsters.
Addressing a Press conference, Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja said that instructions to withdraw 109 cases related to pro-quota agitation registered against Patidars was given to related police stations.
An important decision was taken to withdraw all the cases against Patidars, which would fall within the purview of the State Government, said Jadeja, adding that a commission has been formed chaired by retired High Court judge KA Puj to probe police highhandedness on Patidars post mega rally on 25th August, 2015 at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad. Member of Gujarat State Human Rights Commission and retired district judge Mahendra Shah too has been included as member of the commission headed by Justice Puj. Meanwhile, the State Government has also formed a commission for non-reserve category or upper castes. In the permanent commission chairman, vice-chairman, a member secretary and four other members will be appointed for the welfare of non-reserved
category.
Moreover, the State Government will also form Education and Economic development Board for the members of non-reserved category. According to Jadeja provision for Rs 600 crore would be made for the proposed board. Due to formation of the bard as many as 58 castes coming under non-reserved category would be benefitted, he said adding that members of non-reserved category would get opportunities for employments.
Of the Rs 600 crore, Rs 100 will be kept as share capital and Rs 500 to for the purpose of finance. The board will give soft loans to the economically weak people coming under non-reserved category to initiate their own businesses. Financial assistance to the bright students coming from the category would be given by the board.
The State Government will shortly appoint chairman, vice-chairman and seven non-government directors in the board.