Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 7: A big change is visible among scheduled tribe Gujjars-Bakarwals of J&K after they got tribal rights in the Union Territory at par with other States, for which they were struggling for decades, stated today by Dr Javaid Rahi- a noted tribal researcher.
It was stated by him while addressing a tribal gathering at Saketar Anji-Ghayal Panchayat in Reasi district during an awareness programme, organised by the locals on the topic ‘Understanding Forest Rights Act and other Constitutional safeguards for ST groups’.
The program was presided over by local tribal leader Ch Abdul Latief, Sarpanch Saketar, while Ch Mohd Rashid Khatana and Ch Juma Chechi Bakerwal were in the presidium.
Dr Rahi was the chief guest on the occasion and said that newly extended laws like Forest Rights Act 2006, SC/ST Atrocities 1989, Conservation Act 1980 Act, Panchayat Raj Act, Constitution of delimitation and other Constitutional safeguards are highly beneficial for the overall development of tribes especially Gujjars & Bakarwals. “More efforts are needed to bring them at par with other communities of Union Territory in the fields of education, socio-economic development, cultural vibrancy and their presence in the public affairs,” he asserted.
He appreciated the work of J&K Tribal Affairs Department and said, “Only education can change the fate and future and end all sought of discrimination and injustice being faced by the community due to illiteracy and poverty.”
On entering into 30 years of Reservation under tribal category, he stated that the Gujjars and Bakerwals are still facing challenges in competitions due to the low literacy rate in comparison with other tribes of J&K and asked the tribal youth to get quality education in all the fields.
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