Those instigating people on reservation don’t want peace, progress in J&K: LG

STATE TIMES NEWS

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday urged people not to get swayed by those “instigating” masses on the issue of reservation as they “are the same people who do not want peace and progress in the region”.
Sinha took part in a Janjatiya Samagam (tribal convention) on the launch of the weeklong festivities on the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and paid tributes to iconic freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary.
He said Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the Gujjars and other communities their interests will be protected and there will be no reduction in their quota even by one per cent.

‘No change in reservation status of Gujjars, Bakerwals’
Jammu: The grant of reservation to the Pahari community in Jammu and Kashmir will not have any effect on the quota of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme here, he referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement during his visit to Rajouri and Baramulla on the grant of reservation to the Pahari community.
“Some people are trying to mislead the communities for political reasons, but I again reiterate with confidence and responsibility that there will no change in the reservation quota of Gujjars, Bakerwals, Gaddis and Sippis,” Sinha said.

“I urge those undertaking Padyatra (against reservation) to return home. Some people with vested interest are spreading rumours on reservation. They are the same people who do not want peace and progress in the region”, the Lt Governor said.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working tirelessly to fulfil the dreams of tribal. Sinha said the government recognises the critical role and contribution of the tribal community in the development of J&K. “They are prime mover of progress. The tribal community is our moral compass and taught us the values of co-existence, oneness, harmony and sustainable living,” the Lt Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor shared various initiatives and resolutions taken by the UT government for the welfare of the tribal community and tribal youth.
“We are making dedicated efforts to harness the potential and channelise the productive energy of tribal youth and women so that new generations can transform the economic fortunes of their families and contribute to cultural and social vitality,” said the Lt Governor.
He further said that after decades of wait by the people of J&K, the Prime Minister has transformed the dream of social equity and justice into reality.
“We are promoting a culture of excellence in our schools in tribal-populated areas through smart classrooms. These schools will act as a vital source of new knowledge and innovative thinking, and as providers of highly skilled students,” the Lt Governor said.
He said, “I am confident the Janjatiya Gaurav Saptah will not only celebrate the rich contribution of tribal community in Indian freedom but instill a sense of pride in the tribal tradition and cultural values.”
Special emphasis is being laid on beneficiary-oriented schemes and welfare infrastructure with priority to road connectivity, power supply, drinking water, modern tribal villages, self-employment, healthcare, skill development, scholarships and education, he further added.
The Lt Governor underscored that the livelihood generation for tribals by harnessing the wealth of ‘Van Dhan’ aims to tap into traditional knowledge and skill sets of tribals by adding technology and IT to upgrade the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojna at each stage and convert tribal wisdom into a viable economic activity.
Enumerating the steps taken to give impetus to the socio-economic development of the tribal community, the Lt Governor said, apart from Forest Rights Act, several infrastructures like transit accommodation, boys and girls hostels, Eklavya model residential schools, mini Sheep farms, new dairy units, smart card and trucks for migratory population, Pradhan Mantri Aadi Aadarsh Gram Yojna, Coaching programmes for NEET/JEE, UPSC, Technology Enabled Education Scheme, Tribal Research Centre have been created.
Janjatiya Gaurav Saptah will act as a fillip to the efforts for preservation of tribal arts and culture in this hyper connected and internet driven world, to encourage upcoming artists and students of tribal literature, he added.
Earlier, the Sinha launched a web portal for tribal awards which will streamline and bring transparency in nomination process.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor, speaking on the occasion extended his wishes and greetings to the tribal community for the Janjatiya Diwas and highlighted the reforms introduced by the government for the empowerment of tribal population of J&K. He lauded the contribution of tribal community in the progress of the UT.
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary to Government, Tribal Affairs Department, in his welcome address highlighted the landmark initiatives for the welfare of tribal community.
Impressive performances by the artists showcased the tribal culture and heritage of Jammu Kashmir. As a part of the celebrations of Janjatiya Diwas, procession of tribal artists, sports activities, Swachhta Drive, career counseling and other such programmes are lined up, it was informed.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Avny Lavasa, DC Jammu; Director, Tribal Affairs Department; senior officials, PRI members, prominent tribal personalities and large number of youth from tribal community were present.