Government committed to provide ST status to Hatti community : Jagat Singh Negi

 The Hatti community of Sirmaur district has struggled hard for decades to get the status of Scheduled Tribe for itself. The state government is also fully committed to give them ST status as soon as possible. This was stated by Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi today in a meeting regarding implementation of The Constitutional (Scheduled Tribes) order (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 and notifying ‘Hattees of Trans Giri Area of Sirmaur District’ as Scheduled Tribe.

Tribal Development Minister said that a notification was issued by the Central Government regarding giving Scheduled Tribe status to the Hatti community of Trans Giri area, but due to some doubts in this notification, the State Government has sought clarification from the Centre. As per the notification, the entire Hatti community of Trans Giri area has been given Scheduled Tribe status by the Centre, including Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and various other classes.

Jagat Singh Negi said that there are some sections demanding to remain a part of the earlier system as they don’t see themselves benefiting from the ST status. However, all classes come under the ambit of ST as per the notification by the Central Government. He said that clarification has been sought from the Central Government in this regard so that an early solution can be found to the problems of the Hatti community and their long-pending demands can be met.

On this occasion, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said that the state government wants Hattees get the ST benefits as soon as possible. He asked the Tribal Development department to look into legal provisions and explore the options of providing provisional certificate of Scheduled Tribe to the people of Hatti community. He said that the state government will provide opportunity to all sections of the society to present their views and the upcoming policy will be prepared on the basis of that. He urged everyone not to look at this issue from a political point and ensure that the feeling of brotherhood and harmony prevails in the community. He said that the state government understands the seriousness of this matter and this issue will be discussed with the central leadership to find a permanent solution.