‘Paharis, other tribes will start getting reservation this year’
*J&K marching on path of inclusive development
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Feb 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives a series of steps have been taken to uplift deprived societies and give them their due rights after decades while the imbalanced development has come to an end.
He described as “historic’’ the decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Pahari Ethnic and Paddari tribes; Koli and Gadda Brahmins and, at the same time, ensuring that 10 percent reservation already enjoyed by Gujjars and Bakerwals, Gaddis and Sippis, is not diluted.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken series of initiatives to ensure social equality by following the ‘Mantra’ of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas Sabka Vishwaas and Sabka Prayaas’. The Prime Minister took several measures to uplift the living standard of societies deprived of their rights for decades,’’ Sinha said in his monthly ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ Radio address which is aired every third Sunday of the month, this morning.
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He declared that the imbalanced development has completely come to an end.
“With necessary policy decisions taken during last few years and abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India, the people deprived of their rights for decades together were linked to the mainstream,’’ the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the Government took a historic decision to grant Scheduled Tribe status to Paharis Ethnic and Paddari tribes; Koli and Gadda Brahmins who were since long waiting for equality.
“These tribes will start getting reservation benefits this year,’’ Sinha said.
However, he assured the Gujjars & Bakerwals, Gaddis and Sippis and others already enjoying benefits of reservation under Scheduled Tribes category that they will continue to get the reservation they are getting. There will be no cuts in their reservations, he reiterated.
“The Government of India and Jammu and Kashmir administration are committed to equal development of all communities,’’ the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the vision of his administration is to ensure that growth must reach all sections of society and measures for equitable access to opportunities are further strengthened.
He highlighted efforts of the Government to provide social justice to build an ‘Atmanirbhar’ Jammu and Kashmir.
He also shared the stories of beneficiaries and inspiring unsung heroes that have become embodiments of transformation in ‘Naya Jammu Kashmir’.
“After more than seven decades of India’s independence, the Prime Minister established social justice in J-K, which ensured everyone has access to equal opportunities and resources and well-being and prosperity of marginalised sections of society,” the Lt Governor said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir is now marching on the path of accelerated and inclusive development.
“No future-oriented society can progress without people-centred governance. Our vision is to ensure that growth must reach all sections of society and measures for equitable access to opportunities are further strengthened,” Sinha said.
Dedicating the 35th edition of ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz Programme’ to unsung heroes and ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to Thakur Raghunath Singh, a nationalist thinker-writer and recalled his significant contribution to the promotion of Dogri language and culture.
He also congratulated and commended Padma Shri recipients Dogri folk singer Romalo Ram and master craftsman Ghulam Nabi Dar of Srinagar for preserving and promoting the rich art and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Official handout said, the Lieutenant Governor made a special mention of Waheeda Akhtar from Budgam who overcame immense challenges and serves as an inspiration to women in the area and helping in their economic empowerment.
Reva Raina from Jammu is promoting value-based education using sports in different schools. Her vision and selflessness have helped revolutionize and shape the young minds, he said.
Udhampur’s Anita Sharma and Shahnaz Bano; Sunita Devi from Kathua; Medhavi Sharma; Saras Bharti; Baramulla’s Nazish Rashid, Mehbooba Akhtar of Ganderbal and Lakshmi, a resident of Samba also received a special mention from Lt Governor for their inspirational journeys in fields like entrepreneurship, promotion of Dogri Folk, Basohli art & painting; mushroom cultivation and establishment of Polygreen house unit.
The Lt Governor shared the valuable suggestions received from Dr. Syed Saileen from Srinagar, Priya Varma from Reasi and Insha Manzoor from Pulwama on women’s health, well-being and safety and issued necessary directions to the concerned departments for appropriate action.
He also voiced the inspiring thoughts of Rishu Gupta from Samba, Kupwara’s Neelofar Bukhari, Chanchal Kumari from Udhampur and Arifa Ara from Budgam pertaining to financial literacy among women, entrepreneurship and leadership roles for women.
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