 Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 29: All Jammu and Kashmir Pahari Tribe Joint Forum convened a press conference today, welcoming the decision of Governor for extending 3% reservation for the Pahari speaking people of the Jammu and Kashmir.
While talking to the media persons, Chairman of the forum Advocate Gurdev Singh Thakur said that we welcome the decision as Pahari speaking eople of Jammu and Kashmir, who have been striving for the reservation since 1975. Appreciating the genuineness of their demands, State Government vide cabinet decision No.159 dated 08-8-1989 recommended ST status for Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals, while the latter were granted the status, the same is awaited in respect of Paharis.
Advocate Thakur further said that because of remoteness and inaccessibility of the areas, the Paharis community historically faced considerable economic distress leading to overall socio-economic backwardness. On one hand, they were not able to compete with other sections of the society who were better placed in terms of socio economic position and also in terms of access to education and Healthcare due to abovementioned disadvantageous.
He added, "The Paharis speaking people are not able to derive any benefit even at the lower rung in respect of getting employment".
Thakur further stated that the welfare legislation is aimed at providing job opportunity to the Paharis speaking people residing in the backward areas of the State. With this reservation Paharis speaking people of the State will able to compete with fast growing society of the country. |
