Sir,
It is a matter of concern that the helpless Valmiki community in Jammu is bearing the never ending plight for six decades now. They are forced to pursue the same profession of safai karamcharis for generations. The article 35A which provides constitutional protection to the state subjects does not allow Valmikis to enjoy basic rights in the state. Valmikis cannot vote in state elections, cannot buy property, study in Government professional institutes and are even not able to avail benefits of Government schemes in the State.
After six decades their number has increased resulting in an increase in number of safai karamcharis as well. Alas! the community still awaits some action by the authorities to make things better for them. They are victims of unfulfilled promises and betrayals by the successive Governments. Now what they want is to at least get some monetary or otherwise benefits that could be done by making amendments to article 35A of Civil Service Regulation Act Jammu and Kashmir.
Yours etc…
Heena Tabassum
Jammu