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| Gujjars, Bakerwals deserve a better deal: Governor | | | Kupwara, Aug 10: Complimenting Gujjars and Bakerwals for their valuable contribution towards the Nation, Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said that they deserve a better deal in socio-economic upliftment and rightful place in decision making.
'Education holds key to empowerment in any society and the Gujjars must not lag behind in this vital sector', the Governor told students of these communities during his visit to Gujjar Hostel in a building at Kupwara that has been vacated by the Security Forces in 2005. The students, staff and local Gujjar Bakerwal dignitaries gave an enthusiastic welcome to the Governor to the tune of full throated cheers of Jai Hind.
General Sinha, who has been visiting Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostels and their habitations across the State, recalled his six-decade association old with the people on mountains since 1947 and said they have always remained in the forefront in assisting the Army in its task of defending the country. Known for their hard work, straight forwardness and commitment to the Nation, they have been a fine example of patriotic community, spreading the message of love and amity, he added.
On its part, the Governor said, the Army has never shirked its responsibility to ensure their welfare and undertake security as also participating in their development. In a State like Jammu and Kashmir, the presence of the Army has generated over 40,000 jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, mostly those on the mountains, he said, adding that their annual spending of Rs 1250 crores greatly helps in boosting economy of the State. 'The Army is not there only to protect the people but they have been supplementing in the development effort as well', he added.
While referring to the gratitude expressed by Gujjar leaders in their welcome speeches about the Army's help during the 2005 earthquake, the General said that it was their bounden duty which they shouldered risking their own lives. He recalled that in his frequent visit to the earthquake affected areas in 2005, he was overwhelmed to see the rapport between the Army and the people of border areas. He said wherever he went the affected people told him that they could survive that horrendous calamity because of Army's held and wanted all relief assistance to them channeled through the Army.
The Governor said that the State Government has launched various measures to improve the quality of life of Gujjars and Bakerwals and referred to the revolutionary decision of the Chief Minister Jenab Ghulam Nabi Azad to carve out a separate directorate for Gujjar and Bakerwal Tribal Welfare Development in the State. This directorate will help in monitoring the pace of progress and status on implementation of various welfare and developmental schemes taken up under various centrally sponsored programmes. He said the Chief Minister is taking personal interest in various development measures for them.
Exhorting the Gujjar youth to benefit from various schemes tailored for their empowerment, the Governor expressed satisfaction over imparting religious education in their schools along side the modern academics. This, he said, will inculcate moral values among them, making them strong enough to face the competitive world with vigour and confidence. He cited the example of President A P J Abdul Kalam who rose from a modest family background to become the ace scientist of the world and People's President back home. 'Dr Kalam's life is inspiration for our younger generation', he maintained. He said he earnestly hoped that a Kalam would also one day emerge from among the Gujjar children.
Responding to the basic requirements needed in the hostel, the Governor said that the Army will soon take up the work on leveling of a play ground for them besides providing necessary wherewithal for various games. He said a television set with dish antenna besides two computers would be arranged for the hostel besides raising a fencing wall. He said the Government has provided Rs 27 lakhs for the upgradation and renovation of this hostel. He went round the hostel and suggested suitable furniture for the children also to be included with all the work being done in the building to give it a big face lift. He said he would again visit the hostel after the work undertaken there is completed.
President, Akhil Bhartiya Gujjar Maha Sabha, Mr Ashfaq Ahmed Khan Poswal, its J&K President Choudhry Qamer-ud-Din and Member, Gujjar Advisory Board, Choudhry Salamudin also spoke on the occasion. They expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his concern about welfare of these communities, saying that they were viewing with appreciation his efforts in this regard.
Choudhry Salamudin and Choudhry Qamer-ud-Din eulogized the role of the Army in providing them various services and said that Gujjars and Bakerwals have given numerous sacrifices for the Nation.
The students presented patriotic songs.
Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel Kupwara, established in 1991, remained under the occupation of the Security Forces till 2005 and it has been got vacated by the Government for lodging 50 students who are reading in various higher classes in Kupwara. The students are provided free board and lodge, uniforms, books and stationery and free coaching. The hostel, surrounded by dense forests, is located on Kupwara-Lolab road, 3 kilometers away from Kupwara town.
Secretary, Social Welfare, Mr N K Verma and senior officers of Kupwara district wre present on the occasion. The Governor was profusely garlanded by the students and representatives of Gujjar communities on his arrival at the hostel.
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