 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 13: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta reiterated Party's firm commitment to the welfare, empowerment and overall development of the Gujjar and Bakerwal tribal communities, in line with the party's long-standing vision of social justice and inclusive growth.
Addressing a workers' meeting in Ward No 32 Gujjar Basti Om Nagar Jammu, Gupta said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is actively steering tribal welfare programmes to ensure the all-round progress of these marginalized communities.
Gupta highlighted that the National Conference has historically championed the cause of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. During previous NC Govt's, several landmark initiatives such as the establishment of mobile schools and hostels were introduced to ensure access to education and opportunities for nomadic tribal populations.
Carrying forward this legacy, the present government has intensified efforts to strengthen tribal welfare through focused policy initiatives and infrastructure development. Tribal Affairs Minister Javed Ahmed Rana has been holding interactive sessions and high-level reviews to address key issues related to education, healthcare, and infrastructure in tribal areas.
"The government is prioritizing the construction and upgradation of Gujjar-Bakerwal hostels, establishment of smart schools in tribal belts under the Dharti Aaba Mission, and deployment of Mobile Medical Units to ensure healthcare access in remote areas. Steps are also being taken to resolve land-related issues for hostels and expedite the establishment of Tribal Bhawan in Jammu" Gupta added.
Reaffirming the government's commitment, Gupta said that the National Conference will continue to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Tribes and work tirelessly to ensure their socio-economic upliftment, development, and dignity across Jammu and Kashmir.
Adddressing the meeting Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, and Satpal Karlopia former corporator said that the extension of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) to Jammu and Kashmir has begun, its implementation remains incomplete, and urges the Government of India to ensure its full and effective enforcement so that eligible forest-dwelling communities can meaningfully exercise their statutory rights.
Earlier Choudhary Rafiq highlighted the problems faced by the Gujjar and Bhakerwal community such as drinking water, electricity, road and lack of basic amenities faced by the people in the area. |
