CM urges Gujjar institutions for research on climate
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 16: Former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that Jammu, which had received only hollow promises in the past, is now steadily moving towards inclusive and sustainable development and is now breathing easy under the Government of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
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Speaking to a delegation of the National Conference, Dr Abdullah said the elected Government has not only restored public confidence in democratic processes but has also opened the corridors of power to the common people.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the party president of various long-pending public issues that have accumulated over the past decade due to what they described as the misrule of the BJP.
The delegation also appreciated the corrective and developmental measures initiated by the Omar Abdullah-led Government to reverse the setbacks suffered by Jammu city during the last 10 years.
The delegation discussed organisational and party matters with Dr Abdullah, who assured them that the National Conference is fully cognisant of the hardships and challenges faced by the people during years of undemocratic governance.
“Omar Abdullah-led Government is making rapid strides to restore people’s faith in democratic institutions,” he said.
Referring to the much-publicised Smart City project, Dr Abdullah remarked that a few days of rain and waterlogging had exposed the hollow claims surrounding it.
Highlighting the initiatives of the Omar Abdullah-led Government, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that concrete steps are being taken for the protection and restoration of the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, which suffered prolonged neglect.
He noted that free transport facilities for women have enhanced their mobility, the additional ration quota has eased the burden on poor families, and the restoration of the Darbar Move has revived economic activity and brought smiles to the faces of Jammu’s traders.
He further said ongoing and upcoming projects such as ropeways, riverside development, lake creation in Jammu city, and other initiatives will place Jammu firmly on the tourism map of the country.
Dr Abdullah urged the delegation to gear up for the forthcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections and to strengthen the party’s public outreach.
He emphasized that special representation will be given to youth, particularly women, to ensure that policies and governance are aligned with their aspirations and needs.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday called upon Gujjar institutions to undertake scientific research on the impact of climate change and reservation on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, saying such studies would help shape effective policies for the future.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), Jammu, during the commemoration of the third death anniversary of former Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary. He described him as a visionary public servant, educationist and institution-builder.
“There is no shortage of talent in the Gujjar institutions. All kinds of people are present here. By using this talent, if over the next years we prepare some research papers on climate change, it will strengthen the Gujjar community. There should be research on various issues affecting them, whether it is climate change, which impacts the Gujjar community the most,” he told the gathering.
He asserted that the nomadic lifestyle of the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, involving seasonal migration to higher reaches and return during winters, makes them especially vulnerable to climate change and natural calamities.
“The Gujjar-Bakerwal community has borne the brunt of repeated natural disasters. We must focus on research to understand these challenges and find ways to mitigate their impact,” he added.
Emphasising education, the Chief Minister said efforts such as the establishment of Gujjar hostels, schools and mobile schools must be strengthened to ensure access to learning for children of the community. He also stressed the need to objectively assess the impact of reservation.
“We have spoken about reservation for years, but we have never seriously studied how much it has actually benefited the Gujjar community and at what level. Research papers should be prepared to evaluate its real impact, so corrective steps can be taken where needed,” he said.
Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, who also addressed the gathering, urged the community to remain united and prioritise education. “Without unity and education, no community can become strong or compete with others. The future of your children lies in education,” he said.
Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA Vikram Randhawa, several Members of the Legislative Assembly, former Minister Raman Bhalla, Aslam Qureshi (retd IAS), Sheikh Shakeel, Senior Advocate, J&K High Court, Abdul Hamid Choudhary, Patron-in-Chief, GDCT, Arshad Ali Choudhary, Chairman, GDCT, representatives of various political parties, and prominent civil society members and Gujjar community representatives were also present on the occasion.
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