Karnataka Herders Demand Action on Shepherds' Protection Bill at Rally
Demand is for passage of Bill amid rising attacks.
More than 100 traditional shepherds convened at Freedom Park in Bengaluru to demand the immediate passage of the Traditional Migratory Shepherds (Protection Against Atrocities and Provision of Welfare) Bill, 2025. The rally, organized by the Traditional Shepherds' Welfare Protection Struggle Committee, highlighted the community's persistent struggles, including harassment, assaults, life threats, murders, rapes, sheep theft, and bribery demands, particularly in forest and hilly regions.
The herders submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had promised protective legislation during his Budget speech. The memorandum accused forest department officials of perpetrating "atrocities" and cited recent violent incidents in Bagalkote, Bidar, and Dharwad districts, where shepherds were attacked or killed. These cases, the committee argued, underscore a dire need for legal safeguards.
The proposed Bill aims to curb such injustices and provide welfare measures, including educational reservations, hostels, healthcare, insurance, market facilities, and legal aid for shepherds' families. While the committee welcomed the government's initiative to introduce the legislation, it called for stricter penalties and fines, emphasizing that those accused of crimes like theft should face stringent bail conditions. Additionally, the committee demanded action against ineligible individuals misusing benefits intended for shepherds and complicit officials.
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A senior police officer confirmed that arrangements were made for the herders to submit their memorandum to the state government. The committee urged the Karnataka government to pass the Bill during the ongoing legislative session to ensure justice and security for the shepherd community.
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