Srinagar

In addition to Paharis, the GD Sharma commission has also recommended ST status for the Paddari tribe, Gadda Brahmans and Kolis in Jammu and Kashmir.

The recommendation made by the Sharma commission have been received by the Union ministry of tribal affairs.

The draft recommending the inclusion of Paharis, Paddari tribals, Kolis and Gadda Brahmans as STs will have to be approved by the Union cabinet after which it will be tabled before Parliament.

According to reports, "This can happen during the November-December winter session of the Parliament,"

Gujjars and Bakarwals had reservations in jobs and education even before the abrogation of Article 370, but they did not have any political reservation.

At present, 744 castes are categorised as STs in the country.

The GD Sharma commission recommendations follow the report of the delimitation commission headed by Justice (Retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai that has reserved 9 seats for STs and 6 for the SCs in the 90-seated J&K Assembly.

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With the inclusion of Pahari tribals, Paddaris, Kolis and Gadda Brahmans, it is possible that the number of seats reserved for the STs in the J&K Assembly might go up.