AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava demands relaxation in minimum marks for ST candidates in Gujarat Revenue Talati recruitment, citing constitutional violations.

Ahmedabad/Narmada, Gujarat: AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava has raised serious concerns over the recent Revenue Talati recruitment conducted by the Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB), alleging that the exam’s minimum marks policy for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates violates constitutional provisions and reservation policies.

In a formal letter submitted to the Chairman of GSSSB, Vasava highlighted that in the recently conducted recruitment for 2,389 Revenue Talati posts, ST candidates were required to secure a minimum of 40% marks in each paper, including Gujarati and English. For a 150-mark paper, this meant candidates had to score at least 60 marks.

Vasava argued that setting the same minimum marks for reserved and unreserved categories contravenes Articles 16(4) and 335 of the Indian Constitution, which protect the rights of SC/ST candidates in public employment. He pointed out that across India, candidates from reserved categories are typically granted relaxation in minimum marks.

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“This rigid criterion risks excluding talented tribal candidates from the recruitment process, which is a clear injustice considering their social and educational background,” Vasava said.

He demanded that the results for ST candidates be prepared separately from general candidates and that appropriate relaxation be provided in the minimum marks criteria. He also urged the board to introduce training and orientation programs for selected candidates to ensure adequate preparation before joining the role.

Vasava further warned that failure to address this issue may force the tribal community to pursue judicial intervention or a statewide peaceful movement to secure their rights. He emphasized that reservation is not merely about “vacant seats” but about ensuring equal opportunities.

Earlier, ST candidates in Gujarat had reportedly been deprived of their constitutional rights in other recruitment processes, such as the Gujarat Lok Rakshak selection, a situation Vasava hopes will not be repeated.

The Aam Aadmi Party in Gujarat continues to advocate for fairness and equality in recruitment policies, particularly for tribal candidates, ensuring that constitutional rights are fully upheld.