Unity among weaker sections imperative for political empowerment: Rana

Excelsior Correspondent

NC Provincial President Devender Singh Rana addressing a gathering at party office on Sunday.
NC Provincial President Devender Singh Rana addressing a gathering at party office on Sunday.

JAMMU, June 8: Provincial President Devender Singh Rana today called for convergence among weaker sections to attain political empowerment, saying National Conference has all along strived for a decisive role for every segment of society in decision making.
“While closing their ranks, the weaker sections have to make their voice felt and collectively work for socio-economic transformation and national reconstruction of the State and the country”, the Provincial President said while addressing Provincial Executive Body of NC’s SC/OBC Cell at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this afternoon.
He, however, cautioned against the machinations of vested interests for dividing society on the basis of region, religion and caste, saying this is not a good omen for healthy and vibrant democratic polity. The people have to work in unison to steer the State to peace, progress and development, he said, adding that his party will stand like a rock against divisive forces. “We will not allow the larger society to be fragmented into bits and pieces for political objectives”, he maintained.
The Provincial President referred to the crucial role played by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and Madr-e-Mehrban with regard to empowerment of weaker sections during most testing times and said freeing the poor and downtrodden from shackles of ignorance was biggest challenge.
“Due to concerted efforts of the NC leadership, weaker sections have emerged as a vibrant force, who are playing dominant role in every sphere of activity”, he said, adding that this legacy is being carried forward by Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with commitment and sincerity of purpose.
Referring to the initiatives taken by Chief Minister for the upliftment of weaker sections during the past five and half years, Mr Rana said that Omar Abdullah has always remained in forefront to mitigate genuine problems of these communities. In this context, he referred to the special dispensation for Kabir Sabha and Guru Ravi Dass Complexes. He said all other issues of the community have received priority attention of the Chief Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of the Cell Babu Ram Paul highlighted various problems confronted to these communities and sought personal intervention of the Chief Minister through the Provincial President in their redressal. The points raised in the memorandum presented to Mr Rana included political reservation in the Legislative Council, nomination in Rajya Sabha, due representation for the community members of the State in Backward Classes Commission and representation in Public Service Commission.
Babu Ram Paul also sought creation of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Commission, review of reservation policy, establishment of Sher-e-Kashmir Housing Colony in each district for SC/ST/OBCs, creation of Ministry of Social Justice for these communities, appointment of chairpersons in various corporations assigned with the job of empowering these communities, special recruitment drive for youth, declaring Kabir Jayanti as holiday, establishment of welfare centres and Sarais, special provision of CDF at the disposal of the Cell etcetera.
Mr Rana assured that these issues will be taken up with the Chief Minister for consideration.
Earlier during the day, several delegations called on the Provincial President and apprised him of their problems. They included SRO 384 Employees of GMC Jammu, Teachers Forum led by Ganesh Khajuria, Need Basis Employees of PDD, Joint Action Committee Jandrah and SC/OBC Cell Udhampur led by John Wilson.

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