J&K L-G Manoj Sinha assures Paharis of benefits under ST status

Our Correspondent

Jammu, February 12

Days after Parliament gave its nod to the Bill granting Scheduled Tribe status to Paharis, leaders of the community met Lt Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan on Monday.

In a statement, the L-G said, “Met a delegation of Pahari community today at Raj Bhavan. We are committed to ensure that the benefits of Scheduled Tribes reservation is extended to Pahari, Padari, Koli and Gadda Brahmin this year and they are included in the tribal plan schemes”.

“It (the passage of Bills) is an important decision for the social and economic condition of the groups concerned. The historic step would provide reservation to the OBCs in panchayat and urban local bodies elections, while the long pending demand of four communities who were included in the ST list was fulfilled,” L-G Sinha said.

He said there will be no impact on the 10 per cent reservation of the STs, including Gujjars and Bakerwals, who were included in the list decades ago.

“I’ve assured the delegation that the issues projected by them will be implemented in letter and spirit. Asked the community elders to constitute a Samiti of prominent members for seamless coordination with government officials on the issues concerning the community” the L-G stated.

Prominent Pahari leaders thanked the L-G and the central government for empowering their community while safeguarding the interest of Gujjar, Bakarwals and other listed tribes.

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