Elected representatives from the tribal communities unanimously opposed the demand for the Dhangars (shepherd) to be included in the scheduled tribes (ST). Sources said that during the meeting of the powerful tribal advisory council (TAC) on Monday, tribal MPs and MLAs who are part of it objected to the demand. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said they would work out an arrangement without affecting the present 7 per cent quotas for tribals in jobs and employment. Harishchandra Chavan, BJP MP from Dindori in Nashik district, said he had raised the issue that found unanimous support with other members. He said they had no objections if the existing 3.5 per cent quota for Dhangars was raised, but sought that they must not be accommodated in the ST category. At present, Dhangars are entitled to 3.5 per cent reservations in the VJNT category. Another elected representative from the Adivasi community said they were also against the plans to create a separate ST-B category to accommodate Dhangars. "This will also have its complications. The criteria for classifying a group as tribals are very stringent and covers aspects like a separate culture," he explained. The leader added that the state government was in a quandary over the issue as it could not afford to alienate either the Dhangars or Adivasis. In the meeting, Fadnavis also asked for tribals to be given land rights under the forests right act.

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