Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 21: Saying that the ‘Reservation’ granted by Constitution of India to weaker sections of society is an effective tool, which provides uniformity and equality among all the castes, tribes and areas of the country, the Tribal Gujjar community scholars today said that those who are opposing the concept of quota are actually opposing the egalitarianism in the society.
They were speaking at a function organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, to discuss ‘Tribal Reservation issues”. Reputed Gujjar scholar Dr Javaid Rahi presided over the event while researchers from different tribal groups participated in the event.
Dr Javaid Rahi, in his presidential address, pleaded that the State Government and civil society should think optimistically towards the issues of ‘Reservation’. He said that the ‘quota’ granted to identified weaker castes, area and tribes in the State or country is based on the percentage of them in the total population and is not an aid or charity.
He said that the basic concept of reservation was to provide representation to identified weaker class, caste area or a tribe falling under a category to mitigate backwardness of the socially and educationally backward communities.
The other speakers stated that as against 12.9 percent ST population in J&K as per census 2011 report, the Gujjars and Bakerwals and other tribes are getting only 10 percent quota under ST category in the State jobs and promotions which is below to their existing percentage of share but some anti-reservation groups are giving an impression that the quota people are snatching the rights of general category which is not true.
They asked the new generation to work vigorously for strengthening of Tribal status and identity but at the same time also advised them not to bank upon reservation or quota only.
They impressed upon the tribal youth not to isolate themselves from mainstream and work along with other communities like a true struggler in achieving the set goals.
Those who spoke on the occasion, included Dr Ashraf Chouhan, Wariz Ali, Mohammad Banya, Shabnum Rafeeq Bajran, Ali Hussain Khatana, Bashir Bajad, Haneef Lodha and others.
Follow our WhatsApp channel