Aizawl, Aug 27 (PTI) Gorkhas in Mizoram are likely to
enjoy OBC status in the state as the Permanent Body, set up in
accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court, has made
a decision to this effect.The Permanent Body, under the chairmanship of
R.Lalrinawma, who is also chairman of the state Law Commission,
decided yesterday that the Gorkhas in Mizoram are given OBC
status and the decision would be sent to the higher authority
in the Centre. Lalrinawma said the government wanted to ensure
protection of the rights and privileges of the minorities
under the provisions of the Constitution. The Gorkhas have been
making appeals for inclusion in
the OBC list for those who were staying in Mizoram on or
before January 26, 1950 and their descendants. The decision was
made after conducting thorough study
on how many of the Gorkhas were enrolled in the voters' lists,
how were they accorded the OBC status in eight states where
the Gorkhas lived and reservations given for government jobs.
Earlier, some NGOs including the Young Mizo Association
objected to the proposal for inclusion of Gorkhas in the OBC
list.