Srinagar, May 07 (KNS): Several organisations working for welfare of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir have lauded the decision of Delimitation Commission for reserving 9 seats in Jammu and Kashmir for Scheduled Tribes.
In a programme held at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT) Jammu the members expressed gratitude to the Government for delivering justice by notifying political reservation which was long overdue.
GDCT, while appreciating the recommendation of Delimitation Commission for reserving 9 assembly constituencies for STs also demanded reserving Rajouri-Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency for the tribal members.
GDCT Chairman, Adv Shah Mohammad Choudhary while addressing the gathering thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for political reservation and several welfare measures and schemes for tribal communities initiated in Jammu and Kashmir.
He, on behalf of constituent groups expressed gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha for personally looking after the measures for tribal welfare and initiatives like implementation of the Forest Rights Act, development of smart schools in tribal areas, livelihood units to 10,000 families, enhancement in scholarship, transit accommodations, mobile healthcare units and other measures for welfare and socio-economic development of tribal communities.
The speakers maintained that political reservation will go a long way in empowerment of tribal communities and ensure their participation in planning and development at all levels.
They also demanded initiatives like raising two battalions of tribal members in territorial army, representation of J&K in National Commission, establishment of tribal university and other measures for education and socio-economic welfare. (KNS)