Gujjars getting benefit under ST, no need for minority status in J

Srinagar, Jul 30 (UNI) Rejecting the demand of granting minority status to Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman clearified that they (Gujjars) are already getting benefit in the government appointments as Schedule Tribes (ST).

The Gujjars of the state are getting benefits in the government appointments as scheduled tribes and are also eligible for promotion under the same category, he said.

He said this has been clarified by the General Administration Department (GDA) while reacting to the demand of the community for minority status.

It further clarified that the children of scheduled tribes are also eligible for admission in various professional colleges and government has taken all measures for upliftment of the Gujjars through various welfare schemes.

The issue of grant of ST status in favour of Paharis has already been taken up by the State government with the Union Government.

The Paharis are otherwise getting benefit of reservation as per the J&K Reservation Rule if they belong to the identified backward area and Actual Line of Control.

Addressing a day-long Gujjar convention at Keller at 20 km from leaders of the community appealed to Mr Vohra to intervene and provide the community right of Political Reservation available under ST Status.

They alleged that Gujjars, the major Scheduled Tribe group of the State who constitute one-forth of the eleven million population are a most neglected and ignored lot.

UNI BAS SY RAI1338