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| Workshop discusses: Reservation for Paharis Justified or not? | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Apr 4
Dr. Ambedkar Studies Centre, Department of Sociology, University of Jammu organized a day long workshop to discuss whether reservation for Pahari speaking people is justified or not at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, here today.
The inaugural function of the session started with the lightening of traditional lamp and paying floral tributes to the portrait of Dr B R Ambedkar.
Dr. Abha Chauhan, Director of the Centre welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the activities of the centre. The workshop was inaugurated by minister for social welfare Abdul Gani Vakil.
While speaking on the occasion the minister applauded the role of Dr. Ambedkar Studies Centre for organising such an impressive function at a sensitive time when the winds of change are blowing on the both sides of border. Describing the pathetic condition of Paharis he expressed that the Paharis residing in far off places must be provided socio economic and political benefits and it is for this reason they must be given the status of scheduled tribe. While suggesting to scholars of Pahari Movement he expressed that there is more need to do research on the Pahari culture and his Ministry and the Government is leaving no stone unturned for the Pahari people.
Shabir Ahmed Khan, Vice Chairman, State Pahari Advisory Board was the Guest of Honour. In his speech he highlighted the role of the Board which has been strengthened in the recent years. The allocation of amount to the Board has increased, Sub-Plan to the Paharis is introduced and scholarships to Pahari students and hostel facilities are provided. He emphasized that though there have been many efforts by the state government, the Paharis are still eluded from the status of Scheduled Tribe which should be given to them at the earliest considering their lower socio-economic condition, difficult geographical location and tremendous lack of infrastructural facilities.
Advocate MR Qureshi, MLC National Conference in his keynote address expressed that there have been several efforts made by the Government and different Commissions set-up from time to time have recommended reservation for the Pahari people. But this did not happen and it is the time now to take a political action.
Prof J R Panda, Head Department of Sociology, University of Jammu in his presidential remarks suggested that certain issues related to the question of reservation must be dealt with in debates like What is reservation about? What are the criteria for reservation? Should creamy layer be removed? Why some communities have been excluded and some included in the category? Ranjeet Sharma, research associate of the centre conducted the proceedings of the session. |
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