Srinagar, Feb 22: In a momentous occasion at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with a 160-member delegation representing the Pahari Community from various parts of the Kashmir division.
Expressing his commitment to the empowerment of tribal communities, Lt Governor Sinha attributed the strides in progress, prosperity, stability, and hope for the tribal population of the Union Territory to the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.
The inclusion of Paharis, Padari, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin in the list of Scheduled Tribes in J&K, lauded by community members, marks a historic milestone.
Former IGP Raja Aijaz Ali hailed it as a reflection of PM Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” expressing optimism for significant improvements in the lives of Paharis in the coming decade.
“It is a historic moment for the Pahari population of J&K. The inclusion of Pahari community in the Scheduled Tribes list is the reflection of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Paharis were neglected for decades, but now in the next 10 years, we will see a considerable change in our lives,” former IGP said.
Abdul Majid Zindadil echoed the sentiment, stating that under PM Modi’s leadership, Paharis have finally achieved real freedom after over 70 years of struggle.
Meanwhile, the Lt Governor also conducted an on-site inspection of ongoing construction work for Transit Accommodation at Zewan, emphasizing the completion of 10 blocks comprising 240 residential units by March 20, 2024. The directive included the installation of CCTV cameras and simultaneous progress on the approach road and boundary wall.
It was informed that over 70 percent target under the project has been achieved with the completion of civil works on 26 blocks comprising 624 flats.
Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sh Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other senior officials were present.
In a separate meeting, Lt Governor Sinha met with a delegation of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at Raj Bhawan, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to their empowerment. He highlighted the historic delivery of justice to OBCs in J&K, emphasizing plans to establish a Backward Welfare Department akin to other states. Expressing gratitude to PM Modi for reservations in Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, the Lt Governor assured the implementation of the Act passed by the Parliament to uplift the OBC community.
He said the Act passed by the Parliament will be implemented in letter and spirit. Rules are being framed and will be published soon, he added.
The Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration towards the empowerment of OBCs to realize the vision of Viksit Jammu Kashmir.
“Today, the UT of Jammu Kashmir is witnessing a transformative change in the society. It is a new beginning for the deprived sections of the society,” the Lt Governor said.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accelerated development, better infrastructure and facilities have boosted the local economy, and established peace and harmony in Jammu Kashmir,” he added.
Mohammad Iqbal Ahangar, Chairman, Jammu Kashmir Other Backward Classes (OBCs) Welfare Association, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for socio-economic and socio-political upliftment of the OBC community. He said, the last four years in the history of J&K have been truly “4 Saal Bemisaal”.
Mohammad Shafi Shama, President, J&K OBC Welfare Association, thanked the Government of India and UT Administration for empowering the OBC community in J&K.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has mitigated our decades-old suffering and provided justice to the community, Advocate Shabir Ahmed said.
More than 150 representatives of the OBCs from different walks of life were present during the interaction.
