Govt to vigorously pursue inclusion of Gojri language in 8th Schedule: Altaf

Minister for Forest Mian Altaf Ahmad addressing Gojri Adbi Millan at Nowshera on Monday.
Minister for Forest Mian Altaf Ahmad addressing Gojri Adbi Millan at Nowshera on Monday.

Excelsior Correspondent

Minister for Forest Mian Altaf Ahmad addressing Gojri Adbi Millan at Nowshera on Monday.
Minister for Forest Mian Altaf Ahmad addressing Gojri Adbi Millan at Nowshera on Monday.

NOWSHERA, Feb 3: Minister for Forest and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmad today said that creation of new administrative unit would go a long way in mitigating the problems of the people at the grass-root level, besides accelerating tempo of development in these areas.
The Minister was speaking at one day ‘Gojri Adbi Millan’ organised by Anjuman-e-Gojri Zaban-u-Adab, Dharamsal- Kalakote on the topic “Jago-Gujjaro-Jago” here at Nowshera . The main aim and objective of the conference was to highlight the need for promotion of Gojri language in the State.
Vice Chairman, Advisory Board for Development of Kissans, Radhay Sham Sharma, who is MLA Nowshera was also present at the conference.
Addressing the gathering, Mian Altaf said that there is more than 15 lakh population of Gujjar Community in the State, adding that they have their own identity, culture and tradition. He said that the Gujar is a polite and peace loving community which does not believe in violence or indulge in any activity inimical to peace and prosperity of the State. “Though Gujjars are living a simple life but they too deserve equal rights like other communities”, the Minister asserted.
Referring to inclusion of Gojri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India, Mian Altaf said that the matter has already been recommended by the State Government to the Central Government. He assured that the State Government would continue to pursue the case   vigoursly so that long pending and genuine demand of the Gujjar Community is fulfilled.
The Minister said that the Government is keen to ensure that benefits of various state and central schemes   reach to the people including Gujjar and Bakerwal Community. He appealed the community to come forward and avail optimum benefits of these schemes.
Responding to the demands projected by the President, Anjuman-e-Gojri Zaban-u-Adab, which include increasing the time slot for Gojri programmes being telecasted and broadcasted from Doordarshan and All India Radio Stations, introduction of Gojri subjects in all educational institutions and recruitment of Gojri teachers in the schools, the Minister assured that these genuine demands would be taken up at the appropriate forums.
The Minister also supported the demand for increase in the time of Gojri Bulletins telecasted and broadcasted from local stations of Doordarshan and All India Radio.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman, Board for Development of Kissans Radhay Sham Sharma stressed for launching massive awareness campaign among Gujjar Community about their rights. He said that the community is facing tremendous problems as compared to other communities in day to day life which needs to be redressed on priority.
On the occasion, renowned and budding artists of the community presented a musical programme and skit depicting the social and cultural ethos and heritage of Gujjars.

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