Jammu, April 19 (Scoop News)- Celebrating 25th year of Schedule Tribe Status granted to Gujjar-Bakerwal tribes of Jammu and Kashmir by Government of India on 19th April 1991 -the speakers a programme organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation to celebrated the day –pleaded that Tribal communities should be fortified with more special rights and extra constitutional safeguards in the state and develop them on the prototype of STs of other Indian states.
Dr. Javaid Rahi , Secretary Tribal Foundation who was chairing the meeting said there is a visible change in the developmental scenario of Gujjars –Bakerwals community after they got ST status but a lot is required to do for their upliftment. He impressed upon the community members to chalk out a strategy to fight against illiteracy and poverty which are the main challenges for the tribe added that community should primarily work for economic stability and food security for nomads and also work to solve rehabilitation, health and livestock issues.
He said ‘Reservation’ granted to Gujjars-Bakerwals community of J&K under ST category some 25 year back was not an aid or a charity to us but it was the right of our tribe.He impressed upon the community to strive hard to get benefits of the ST status and opt to serve Govt of India services too.
He welcomed the establishment of Tribal Ministry and Tribal Department in J&K and termed it historical decision of Mufti led Govt.
Ch Ghulam Sarwar Chouhan Vice President of TRCF stated that there is only one Gujjar MLC among 36 members in Legislative Council which is a sought of injustice with tribe . He urged upon the collation to nominate at least 6 to 8 members of community for Council proportionate to their population which constitute 20% of total population of the state.
A seven point resolution was unanimously adopted by the community member. The resolutions mooted were, grant Political Reservation to STs in State Assembly /Council and Parliament like other states of India granted to STs, inclusion of Gojri in the eighth schedule of India, extension of Forest Right Act 2006 to J&K, food security for nomads , provide free and doorstep education to nomadic Gujjar-Bakerwal children, provide adequate representation to Tribal Officers in state administration and Police, enhance reservation for Gujjars /Bakerwals(STs) in professional colleges.
All the resolutions were adopted in voice by the members of the community and it was decided that the same will be send to Prime Minister of India and State Chief Minister shortly.
Those who also spoke include Ch Ahmed Din Poswal , Ch Hamad Khatana, Haq Nawaz , Ch H D Parvaz , Mehmmod Ali Chouhan, Karamat Hussain, Tajamal Hussain, Talib Hassain and others
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