Seek Immediate Action on ST Benefits, Scholarships, and Identity Recognition
JJ Toseef R Ganai
Poonch, August 11: In a decisive move to push for long-pending rights, a high-powered delegation of senior Pahadi leaders from Jammu and Kashmir met with the Chief Secretary, Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department, and Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. The delegation, comprising Adv. Ahsan Mirza (Former Additional Advocate General), Adv. Aftab Ganai (Former Public Prosecutor), Adv. Gurdev Singh Thakur, Bharat Bhushan Vaid (Former Vice Chairman, Rajouri Municipal Council) and Muneer Mirza (Former Sarpanch), tabled a comprehensive set of demands aimed at securing justice, recognition, and socio-economic upliftment for the Pahari community.
During the meeting, the leaders pressed for the immediate and full implementation of the Scheduled Tribe status granted to the community, including reservation in jobs and educational institutions. They called for an official change in nomenclature from “Pahari-speaking people” to “Pahari Ethnic Group” to safeguard cultural identity, and demanded urgent release of scholarships to Pahari students through the Tribal Department. The delegation also insisted on extending all tribal welfare benefits-covering healthcare, employment, and social schemes-to the Pahari ethnic group without delay, while prioritising development in Pahari-dominated areas through infrastructure, education, and healthcare improvements. They further urged for strong safeguards over land and resource rights through effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and demanded adequate representation of Paharis in government institutions. Senior officers assured the delegation of a prompt and coordinated response to address their concerns.
