Jammu, Feb 08
Amidst concerns over reservation quotas and misinformation sparked by the recent extension of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Pahari people and other communities in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reaffirmed that existing reservation benefits for Gujjar and Bakerwal communities wouldn’t be affected.
Sinha reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the existing 10% reservation in education and jobs for Gujjars and Bakerwals under the ST category. He referenced Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s earlier promise during his Rajouri and Baramulla visit, assuring that Pahari inclusion wouldn’t undermine Gujjar-Bakerwal rights.
Emphasizing accurate information and denouncing attempts to manipulate communities for political gain , without directly naming any political party, Sinha highlighted the government’s dedication to social equity and justice, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. He commended the tribal community’s crucial role in regional development and outlined various initiatives undertaken to promote their socio-economic welfare, including infrastructure development, skill enhancement programs, and educational opportunities.
“Some people with vested interest are spreading rumours on reservation. They are the same people who do not want peace and progress in the region and who never worked for their betterment of these communities in last 70 years,” the Lt Governor said.
“Gujjars and Bakerwals, and all those who are already entitled to reservation under ST category, will continue to get 10 per cent reservation in educational institutions, jobs etc in Jammu and Kashmir while Pahari and other tribal community will get separate reservation,” Sinha said.
He reiterated the significance of providing reservation benefits to deprived sections of society, including the Gujjar, Bakerwal, and Pahari communities, in alignment with the recommendations of the Justice Sharma Commission which examined the issue of quota..
Sinha outlined various initiatives undertaken by the UT Government, apart from Forest Rights Act, to promote the socio-economic welfare of tribal communities, including creation of infrastructures like transit accommodation, boys & girls hostels, Eklavya model residential schools, mini Sheep farms, new dairy units, smart card and trucks for migratory population, Pradhan Mantri Aadi Aadarsh Gram Yojna, coaching programmes for NEET/JEE, UPSC, technology enabled education scheme and tribal research centre have been created.
He laid special emphasis on road connectivity, power supply, drinking water, modern tribal villages, self-employment, healthcare, skill development and women empowerment.
“The government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice and the reservation granted to the Pahari community would not impede the reservation quotas of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, “he said, adding. however, all of them will be treated as STs which will make them eligible for political reservation.
“With Gujjars and Bakerwals constituting 40% of the population in border districts like Rajouri and Poonch, and Paharis being numerically smaller but equally significant, the decision holds immense importance for the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. This legislative move underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice in the region,” the Lieutenant Governor added.
“The PM’s slogan of `Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas and Sabka Vishwaas’ has been fulfilled in real terms,” the LG said describing the Central Government decision as “historic” which has removed the injustice meted out to Paharis for last 70 years.
Pertinent to mention the Lok Sabha, on Tuesday, passed the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, granting scheduled tribe status to the Pahari people and other communities in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
