Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 27: A delegation of All J&K Gaddi Sippi Tribes Welfare Association led by its State president Parveen Jaryal called on Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh, Deputy Chief Minister.
On this occasion Jaryal hoped that the era of discrimination with the downtrodden and transhumant gaddi and sippi tribes will definitely come to an end during the regime of newly formed coalition Government in Jammu and Kashmir.
He expressed high hopes that present coalition Government will take cognizance of the issues of these tribes and will take initiatives for the welfare and betterment of gaddi sippi tribes.
The delegation also presented a memorandum of demands to Singh which includes establishment of hostel facilities for Gaddi and Sippi students at Bani and Ramban, establishment of an Advisory board for Gaddi and Sippi tribes at par with Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, representation of gaddi and sippi tribes in Tribal Advisory Groups at District level, recognition of Gaddi language in 6th schedule of the constitution of J&K, earmarking of funds in annual budget of the State for Welfare Schemes of these tribes etc.
Singh gave a patient hearing and assured them that most of their demands are genuine and shall be considered by the Government in due course of time.
Those who were present in the delegation include Sarpanch Parkash Chand, Sarpanch Puran Chand, Shankar Chand, Kartar Chand, Sunil Katoch, Puran Chand, Piar Chand etc.