Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 11: A delegation of senior Pahari leaders from Jammu and Kashmir met with the Chief Secretary, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department and Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department at the Civil Secretariat today.
The meeting aimed to address the pressing concerns of the Pahari community.
The delegation comprised prominent leaders, including, Ahsan Mirza, former Additional Advocate General, Aftab Ganai, former Public Prosecutor, Gurdev Singh Thakur, Bharat Bhushan Vaid, former Vice Chairman, Rajouri Municipal Council and Muneer Mirza, former Sarpanch.
The delegation highlighted the delayed release of scholarships to Pahari students, which has been a longstanding issue. The officers assured prompt action to resolve this matter.
They requested that official records be updated to recognize the community as a “Pahari ethnic group” instead of “Pahari-speaking people,” which has been granted Scheduled Tribe status.
The delegation also demanded the transfer of Pahari hostels from the Social Welfare Department to the Tribal Department ensuring better management and facilities for students, implementation of ST benefits including healthcare, education, and employment opportunity and sought adequate representation for the Pahari community in Government departments and institutions.
The leaders also discussed the need for prioritizing socio-economic development in Pahardi-dominated areas, including infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.
The officers assured the delegation that these pressing concerns would be addressed promptly and necessary actions would be taken to promote the socio-economic development and well-being of the Pahari community.
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