Excelsior Correspondent
MAJALTA, Oct 2: J&K BJP Spokesperson and former MLA Ramnagar, Ranbir Singh Pathania said that Modi Government heralded a new era and narrative for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
While addressing a gathering of Gujjar-Bakkerwals from Charawa(Majalta), he said that grant of political reservations to STs as well as enactment of Forest Rights Act in J&K has boxed the compass in the field of empowering ‘tribals’ of J&K.
“Gone are the days when tribals were more or less an election-gimmicks and election-fodder. This poses a serious question mark on those who have been clamoring about special status and special protection,” said Pathania and questioned as to why political reservation for STs and benefits of Forest Rights Act were denied and delayed in J&K by the previous regimes.
He further questioned as to why ‘Prevention of Atrocities (SCs & STs) Act 1989’ was not applicable to J&K. “Why a linguistic minority, ‘Pahari speaking people were denied reservation despite assurances from the top again and again?” he questioned.
“It is only BJP led by Modi, JP Nadda and Amit Shah at the top who have virtually turned the tables. Today the message and posturing is loud and clear that backward and marginalized sections of society will be accorded topmost priority and consideration by the Govt,” said Pathania.
The BJP leader claimed that by 2025-26, four crore students at the cost of Rs 60,000 crore are supposed to be benefitted out of Govt schemes. Similarly, he added, on account of national overseas scholarship, year 2021-22 budget contains an outlay of 37.34 crore rupees. “With respect to pushing up entrepreneurs through ‘Stand Up India’ scheme, again preferences has been accorded to entrepreneurs belonging to SC/ST communities in J&K. More so, post revocation of Article-370 and 35-A the concept of social justice has been actualized for SC community, especially Valmikis,” he said and further informed that under Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, more than 50 percent population shall be benefited and an outlay of 1291 crore rupees has been kept for the same.
Those who were present on the occasion, included Mohd Sardar (ST Morcha state vice president), Shokat Ali (Sarpanch), Pappi (Naib Sarpanch), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohd Tahir and a galaxy of local leaders.
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