Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: Gujjars and Bakerwals–the main Scheduled Tribe groups of Jammu and Kashmir today stated that the Government decision to earmark a minimum of 10% of the budget in all departments for the promotion of Tribal Affairs will end discrimination and inequality which they were facing since decades.
In a meeting of tribal elders and youth organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation here today under the chairmanship of Gujjar Scholar Dr Javaid Rahi, the speakers termed the Government decision as a historic and unprecedented which will help in changing socio economic condition of tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir included Gujjar, Bakerwal, Gaddi, Sippi, Dard/Shin.
Dr Javaid Rahi in his presidential address stated that this is a historic decision whereby a huge budget of Jammu and Kashmir was earmarked for tribal development. It speaks that Government is very serious to develop tribal communities of Union Territory who are reeling under poverty and illiteracy since independence.
He hoped that Government will implement all the Acts and Laws extended to Jammu and Kashmir through Reorganisation Act 2019 including Forest Rights Act, Conservation Act 1982, etc.
The other speakers demanded basic amenities such as water, electricity, roads, schools and health facilities for tribal villages located on higher reaches besides on Indo Pak borders. They further demanded implementation of welfare schemes which may benefit the tribal population. They also demanded construction of bunkers in the shelling prone areas along the International Border and Line of Control.
Those who spoke were Ishtiaq Misbah, Khadam Hussain, Din Mohammad, Mohammad Shrief Khaki, Wazir Mohammad Banya, Shabnum Rafeeq Bajran, Ali Hussain Khatana, Bashir Bajad, Haneef Lodha, etc.
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