Tribal communities are an integral part of the India as a country. Jammu and Kashmir also has a large percentage of tribal population and they are the pride of our society and culture. The tribal communities in India had remained marginalized for long periods of time in India. Jammu Kashmir was no exception in this regard. But over the years the Government of India announced series of steps to improve the status of the tribal population. The historic abrogation of article 370 done on 5 August, 2019 had the objective to achieve the progress of the tribal population. The government led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is working hard to achieve this.
Reservation For Tribal Communities
It is an astonishing fact that J&K has the world’s largest population of migratory tribal families as per the 1st Survey of Transhumance conducted by the Tribal Affairs Department in 2021. The survey recorded population of 6.12 lakh.
The tribal population of Jammu and Kashmir is delighted over the series of steps taken by the Government at central and Union territory level to improve their situation.
Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Gujjar, Bakerwal and Pahari communities in Jammu and Kashmir will get reservation benefits in accordance with the recommendations of the Justice Sharma Commission which examined the issue of quota.
He said this while addressing a rally organised in this town, situated at the foothills of the Pir Panjal mountain range along the Indo-Pak border.
The Justice Sharma Commission has recommended that Paharis, Bakerwal and Gujjars should be included for ST quota benefits. These recommendations have been received. Soon after completion of legal procedure, Gujjars, Bakerwals and Paharis will get the reservation benefits.
The home minister said some people have tried to instigate the Gujjars and Bakerwals in the name of ST status being given to Paharis, but the people have foiled their design.
In a big confidence booster for tribal welfare in the country, Smt Droupadi Murmu is serving as the 15th and current President of India since 25 July 2022. She is the first person belonging to the tribal community and also the second woman after Pratibha Patil to hold the office.
Historic Steps For Welfare Of Tribal Community
Jammu and Kashmir Government is taking historic steps to improve the conditions of tribal community in the entire regions.
As a matter of fact, the Jammu and Kashmir government’s flagship initiatives to facilitate the biannual movement of migratory tribal families from highland pastures in Kashmir to villages and plains in Jammu province completed a month few days back, setting a record for the number of families benefitted.
An official spokesman had said that the initiative initially launched for a month till October 25 had been extended further till all registered families.
Importantly, the Tribal Affairs Department (TAD) in September notified the schedule for providing free transport service to migratory tribal families from highland pastures in Kashmir to Jammu beginning September 25.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government knows that Sheep and Goat are necessary part of tribal life in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir hold the distinction of having the highest per capita consumption of sheep/goat meat in the country. The huge demand of sheep/goat meat is more of an opportunity than a challenge as it offers huge scope for sheep and goat farmers.
Boost For Sheep And Goat Rearing
In a heartwarming step in this field, the UT Government is building 1000 sheds for livestock of the tribal community. The Tribal Affairs Department will extend financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to 1500 Self Help Groups for Wool Shearing Machines and skilling. 50 Self Help Groups will receive Rs 3 lakh each for GenSet and solar power-based shearing machines for Dhoks.
The all round measures taken by the J&K government to improve the conditions of tribal population are being lauded by one and all. Tribal youth should be provided employment at a fast pace .The hopes are that in coming years the tribal population of Jammu and Kashmir shall be a prosperous community.
BLURB
The Tribal Affairs Department will extend financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to 1500 Self Help Groups for Wool Shearing Machines and skilling. 50 Self Help Groups will receive Rs 3 lakh each for GenSet and solar power-based shearing machines for Dhoks
