Gujjars for eradication of poverty among nomadic tribes
Jammu, July 11, 2021: The members of Gujjars and Bakarwal tribal groups today urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to formulate a compact programme to eradicate poverty among nomadic tribes.
The community leaders while participating in a programme held on virtual mood organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation pleaded that migratory tribes are facing poverty in view of COVID-19 lockdowns and deserves special attention of the authorities.
The programme was presided over by reputed Tribal Scholar Dr. Javaid Rahi while a number of community members participated in the programme.
Dr. Javaid Rahi in his presidential address said that the while studding the poverty case , it has been observed that Gujjars and Bakarwals are facing numerous issues resultantly the poverty rate is raised in tribes during last two years in view of COVID-19 restrictions. Majority of labour class who belongs to tribes are not in a position to migrate other states for work. He said , due to deferment of the Amarnath Yatra, low arrival of Yatris at Mata Vishnu Devi , the tribal horse owner are without any work. The market of milk and mutton is slow down which is also adding to their problems.
He said he Gujjars-Bakerwals who were listed in the constitution of India in 1991, still facing poverty . He said a good population of nomads are relinquishing their nomadic life and opting for unskilled labours and poverty eradication programme are required for them immediately.
The speakers demanded the scheme to eradicate the poverty. They said Gujjars-Bakerwals being nomads did not approached any Government agency to include them in BPL list during the survey as they were under seasonal migration whenever the last BPL survey was held in the Jammu and Kashmir.
The speakers said lakhs nomadic tribes mainly Gujjars-Bakerwal, Gadii, and Sippi along with their cattle to upper reached since centuries. They are not available at one place like other communities to take ration and other benefits. He said an innovative scheme is required for nomads before implementing the Act.
The nomadic groups, mainly Gujjars-Bakerwals in addition to food insecurity, facing the lack of basic human needs such as clean and fresh water, nutrition, healthcare, education, clothing and shelter, because of their inability to afford them, speakers said.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Ishtiaq Ahmed, Ghulam Rasool, Din Mohammad , Aleem ud Din Chowdhary,Dr. Irshad Ahmed, Nazir Ahmad Khatana and Warast Ali.
