Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: 66% population of nomadic Gujjars, Balerwals who fall under Schedule Tribe (ST) groups in the State are living below poverty line, revealed a survey conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF), a frontal organization working for the cause of Indian Tribes. The survey said that both the groups of Gujjar community in the State are without sufficient food, fodder for their animals and lack of basic facilities like shelter, health, drinking water and education.
Dr Javaid Rahi, while releasing the gist of the survey for media said that more than 71% nomads are not aware of the schemes being operated by the State and Central Government for their upliftment under ST category.
The survey revealed that the Gujjars and Bakerwals in the State were the poorest, living in sordid conditions, had no access to education as they are of migratory character.
The report of the survey was released in a programme organized by TRCF to discuss ‘Reasons of backwardness among Gujjar and Bakerwal community’.
According to the survey, Gujjars and Bakerwals constitute 20% of total population of the State and more than 85% of State’s total tribal population. Among Gujjars and Bakerwals, a sizeable population is living nomadic life, the report said.
The survey suggested that this is high time to categorise Gujjar and Bakerwal Tribe under the groups in India covered by United Nation under World Food Programme aimed at combating malnutrition and investing in human resources, as the “Economy Survey of Jammu and Kashmir”, a Government document tabled in State Assembly said that more than 42% population of ST majority of them being Gujjars and Bakerwals, are living below poverty line.
The surveyor pleaded for a sustainable approach of Government towards boosting of ‘Tribal Economy’, which is at verge of collapse due to poverty, illiteracy and globalization.
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