Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Dec 4: Prominent Gujjar leader and intellectual Shamsher Hakla Poonchi said though Central Government had granted the ST status to Gujjars and Bakerwals of the State in 1991 but the State Government since then has failed to implement the same in letter and spirit with the result these hapless people are facing many hardships and they are not in a position to take the benefit of rapid progress made by the people living in other parts of the State where all facilities of life are available.
Criticizing the State Gover-nment Hakla said the steps taken by the Union Government for the welfare and development of Gujjar and Bakerwals in the State were obstructed by the State Government for the last many decades with the result the people of the community face political, social, economical and educational backwardness.
Hakla in an appeal to Prime Minster, Narendra Modi said for the upliftment of these people the GoI should launch a special recruitment drive for them in para military forces as well as Army as Gujjars and Bakerwals are nationalists to core and have shown exemplary courage and bravery while working shoulder to shoulder with Army and security forces during past three wars with Pakistan and the ongoing proxy war. He also demanded a special development package for these people.
Follow our WhatsApp channel