Only Kashmir Feature
Tribes are the most important component of Jammu and Kashmir Population. Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Paharis are important segments of Jammu and Kashmir populations. They have been ignored for a long, especially until the abrogation of Article 370. After the abrogation of Article 370, the tribal population has seen a wave of progress among these communities.
Recently a few months back, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Gujjar, Bakerwal and Pahari communities in Jammu and Kashmir will get reservation benefits in accordance with the recommendations of the Justice Sharma Commission which examined the issue of quota.
He said this while addressing a rally organized in this town, situated at the foothills of the Pir Panjal mountain range along the Indo-Pak border.
Shah also said there will be no decline in the ST quota of Gujjars and Bakerwals and Paharis and everyone will get their share.
He said the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 has paved the way for providing reservation benefits to the deprived sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir.
There are many other things that have been done after abrogation for the collective development of the tribal Population.
In a pretty significant development, the Tribal Affairs Department in the month of April 2023 flagged off a fleet of 100 trucks for transportation of livestock and families of the migratory tribal population from various districts to the highland pastures.
In line with the announcement made by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for various tribal welfare measures the department initiated a special project for a transhumant support system including transit accommodations and transport facilities for the migratory population, it was stated.
Paharis too have gotten due after a long. Paharis are an essential part of Jammu and Kashmir. The community had faced much neglect, but now due to the constant efforts of the Central and Union territory government things are changing towards brighter prospects for the Pahari community. It was among the most marginalized communities.
During the historic visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, by Home Minister Amit Shah he historically announced Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Pahari community on Tuesday (4 October), 2022.
As a matter of fact, the announcement was made in his address at a public rally in Rajouri. He said that Justice GD Sharma Commission has recommended reservations for Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals and after completion of the administrative process, these communities will get reservation benefits.
The budget of this year too had much for the development of tribal Populations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The substantial budget for fiscal 2023-24 will foster inclusive development for all segments of society with the government’s keenness towards empowering the weaker sections through various social and tribal welfare initiatives.
According to budget 2023-24, seven transit accommodations for the nomadic population and 24 Scheduled Tribe hostels are targeted to be completed during this financial year.
The tribal Population of Jammu and Kashmir is taking rapid strides toward development post-abrogation of Article 370.
