Funds for Gujjars being diverted in J

Srinagar, Apr 14 (UNI) Alleging that funds for the welfare of Gujjars are being diverted to other schemes in Jammu and Kashmir the Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum (GBJF) said the recent appointment of Pahari speaking officer as secretary in the State Advisory Board was a deep-rooted conspiracy against the community.

All funds meant for the welfare and socio-economic development of the Gujjars are being diverted to other schemes, thus making a mockery of the constitutional provisions, GBJF president Haji Shemsher Ali Boken alleged.

He strongly opposed the appointment of a Pahari speaking candidate as Secretary by the General Administration Department (GAD) in the State Advisory Board set up for the Development of the Gujjars and Bakerwals.

Mr Boken said this was a deep rooted conspiracy against the Gujjars, who have no representation in the Gujjar board where, out of 16 staff members, including vice chairman, only two belonged to the Gujjar community.

Asking his community members to be ready for any sacrifice to safeguard the interests of the Gujjars of the state, Mr Boken said the present government cannot ignore the community which constitutes more than 25 per cent of the total population.

He accused the present coalition government for adopting a calculated move to victimise the Gujjar Officers and employees by ignoring them in postings in the important departments and depriving them of promotional avenues available under reservation laws Mr Boken said personnel of the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) and Kashmir Police Service (KPS), belonging to the Gujjar community, were being ignored.

UNI BAS YSS LPB RN1640