Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 13: The Gujjars of State through Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation –a main organization of the Community today made an appeal to the community residing in 12 States of the Country for a joint struggle to press Union Government to expedite the process for inclusion of Gojri language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution.
Giving details Dr Javaid Rahi, secretary, Tribal Foundation, stated that in response to our memorandums regarding inclusion of Gojri in Indian Constitution which were submitted to Governor N N Vohra and Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz, Member Parliament and State president of Congress (I) for onward transmission to Union Home Ministry with their recommendations, Government has admitted that the case regarding inclusion of Gojri in constitution of India is pending with Union Government.
“Minister for State for Home affairs, RPN Singh, in his letter has admitted that the case regarding inclusion of Gojri is pending with Union Home Ministry and a committee was constituted in 2003 to evolve criteria for inclusion of different languages including Gojri in the 8th Schedule. As per communication the committee gave report in 2004 and a decision thereon is yet to be taken”, Rahi disclosed.
“Once a decision is taken on the report inclusion of Gojri will be considered” the communication reads.
Dr Rahi said that we are in touch with different Gujjar Organisations working in different states of India and likely to constitute a team of community dignitaries of 12 States which will visit Delhi shortly to press upon the Union Government to speed up the matter regarding inclusion of Gojri into Indian Constitution.
He however sought support of all political parties, Media groups and community living across country to pave a way for constitutional amendment to include this oldest Tribal language in the list of protected languages.
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