Javaid Rahi represents JKUT in National Conference on Tribal Development
Jammu, November 30, 2021: Noted Tribal Researcher, Dr Javaid Rahi represented Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT) in a two-day National Conference held on the topic ‘Experiences on Decentralization, Tribal Local Self-Governance and Its Implications’ at IIPA, New Delhi on November 29th and 30th 2021.
Organized by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and National Tribal Research Institute, under Ministry of Tribal affairs Govt of India New Delhi, the conference was aimed to know the “Perspectives from Academics and Policy Makers” on tribal development in India..
Dr. Rahi , addressed the conference on ‘Tribal Governance and Sustainable Development’ with special reference to Jammu & Kashmir, virtually .The Session on J&K Tribal was Chaired by Sh. N C Saxena, Former Secretary, Planning Commission, Govt of India (GOI) while Dr. Nupur Tiwary Special Director, National Tribal Research Institute was also in the presidium.
Dr. Rahi in his address highlighted the main feature of Tribal Development in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the ST status to various communities of J&K was granted in 1991 but 2019 onwards , the Scheduled Tribe communities got Constitutional rights and safeguards.
He added that Tribal laws extended through ‘Reorganisation Act 2019’ to J&K have immensely empowered J&K tribes culturally, ethnically, educationally, socially, and politically. He said , the Forest Rights Act 2006 , SC/ST Atrocities Act-1989, Forest Rights Act -2006, Delimitation to reserve Constituencies for Tribes-2019, Conservation Act 1980, Amendments in Panchayati Raj Act will end the marginalization of tribes especially Gujjars, Bakerwals, Gaddis and Sippis which they were facing since centuries.
He said that Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha is himself monitoring and listening to the issues and problems of ST groups and a number of initiatives have been taken by the Tribal Affairs Department under the supervision of Dr. Shahid Iqbal Secretary Tribal affairs to pull out the Tribes from marginalization and social exclusions.
Earlier , Dr. Nupur Tiwary while introducing Javaid Rahi to participants stated that his contributions in the preservation of tribal culture and Heritage of J&K besides his work for the implementation of the Forest Rights Act in J&K is visible on the ground.
While N C Saxena appreciated the presentation of Dr. Rahi and expressed a need for speedy implementation of schemes for sustainable development of J & K tribes.
