Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 5: Demanding immediate extension of newly launched centrally sponsored scheme ‘Livelihood Support’ for tribal population operated by Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs to Jammu and Kashmir, the Gujjars -a main scheduled tribe community today pleaded that a broad-based policy is required to strengthen the living standard of nomadic tribes through such initiatives.
The issue was discussed in a programme organized by ‘Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation’ here today. Noted tribal researcher Dr Javaid Rahi presided over the event while tribal elders and youths participated in the programme.
Dr Javaid Rahi in his address stated that if the ‘Livelihood Support’ is implemented in J&K, it can prove a positive potential to achieve greater financial autonomy for tribes of the UT. It will also promote entrepreneurship among tribal communities, he added.
He said that a detailed memorandum on behalf of Gujjars of J&K was sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Union Tribal Minister urging them to include J&K in the list like Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha and Telengana which were chosen by the Centre under Tribal Ministry to National Resource Centre for Tribal Livelihood, ‘Vanjeevan’ programme.
Dr Rahi said that such steps can cater to development and promotion of livelihood avenues in areas like farm, non-farm and forest-based allied sectors through entrepreneurship and skill development.
He said due to fall of tribal economy, the nomadic tribal people are presently shifting to other occupations -from cattle raring to unskilled labour. “This scheme was especially designed and launched to put stop on such practices. It will focus on the identification of local resources, keeping in view the existing skill level,” he added.
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