Dehradun: In a shocking revelation, RTI activist and legal advocate Vikesh Singh Negi has exposed a large-scale reservation scam in the Jaunsar region of Uttarakhand.
He claims that Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates are being illegally issued to upper-caste Brahmins, Rajputs, and Khasyas — despite Jaunsar never being declared an ST area under any constitutional provision.
Only five tribes are recognized as Scheduled Tribes in the entire state
Advocate Negi cited historical documents, including the 1965 Lokur Committee Report and the Presidential Order of 24 June 1967, to argue that only five tribes — Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Raji, and Tharu — are recognized as Scheduled Tribes in the entire state. According to him, the misuse of the term "Jaunsari" in official documents has allowed the entire region's population, including upper castes, to illegitimately claim ST benefits.
“This is a political fraud that has not only misled the people of Jaunsar but also looted the rights of general-category unemployed youth across Uttarakhand,” said Negi. He added that despite no official change in the constitutional list of Scheduled Tribes since 1967, ST certificates continue to be distributed among castes not included in the official list.
Only President can declare any community as a Scheduled Tribe
Negi pointed out that under Article 342 of the Constitution, only the President of India, through a parliamentary amendment, can declare any community as a Scheduled Tribe. States do not possess the authority to include new castes or areas in the ST list on their own. He stressed that no such amendment or bill has been passed since 1967 to alter the list applicable to Uttarakhand.
Revenue officers have been issuing certificates without verification
Raising serious concerns over administrative procedures, Negi said revenue officers have been issuing certificates without adhering to the verification processes outlined in the 1982 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These guidelines state that only those castes listed in the Presidential notification are eligible for ST status — and only if they are permanent residents of the same region.
Negi also highlighted answers given in the Lok Sabha in both 2003 and 2022, where the Union Government clarified that no new ST areas or communities have been added in Uttarakhand post-1967. “The government's response to Parliament questions confirms that Jaunsar is not an ST area,” he said.
Politicians are deliberately manipulating facts for electoral gains
He accused local politicians of deliberately manipulating facts for electoral gains, thereby depriving genuine SC/ST candidates of jobs and educational opportunities. “Jobs secured through fake ST certificates must be investigated and revoked,” Negi demanded. He has vowed to take the matter to the High Court and, if needed, the Supreme Court. In the coming days, he plans to file formal complaints with central government departments, urging a detailed investigation into the alleged scam.
Calling it a betrayal of the Constitution and public trust, Advocate Vikesh Singh Negi stated, “This is not just administrative negligence — it’s a systemic scam that has compromised the future of thousands of youth in the state.”
Jaunsar Bawar in Uttarakhand
Jaunsar Bawar, a culturally distinct region in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district, was granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 1967 due to its unique social customs, geographic isolation, and tribal heritage. Home to the Jaunsari people, the area preserves ancient traditions like polyandry and governance through village councils. This recognition ensures access to affirmative action and tribal welfare schemes.
