Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 21: A one-day consultative workshop on “Constitutional Reforms and Marginalized Groups: A Socio-Legal Analysis in Reorganized Jammu and Kashmir” was organized under the aegis of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)-sponsored research project in collaboration with the Department of Law, University of Jammu.
The workshop featured three technical sessions addressing displaced communities, tribal groups, gender perspectives, and policy analysis.
The opening session, chaired by Prof Arvind Jasrotia, outlined the objectives of the study, including examining socio-economic impacts, human rights concerns, and proposing inclusive policy measures, followed by special remarks on the theme by Prof Manju Jamwal, Head, Department of Law.
Speaking on behalf of PoJK displaced families, Dr Deepak Kapoor, President, PoJK Visthapit Samiti, and Romi Sharma, Chairperson, Parivartan NGO, stressed the urgency of rehabilitation through land rights, housing, education, and political representation.
Representatives of West Pakistan Refugees, Labha Ram Gandhi and Jagdish Singh Manhas, acknowledged recognition post-2019 but urged deeper integration via education, employment, livelihood opportunities, and socio-economic empowerment.
On Kashmiri migrants, B L Saraf, retired District & Sessions Judge, emphasized judicial sensitivity and special legislation, while Dr Mahesh Kaul highlighted cultural preservation and resettlement policies to address identity crises.
Prof Vishav Raksha, HoD Sociology and Dr Hema Gandotra, underlined multiple vulnerabilities faced by displaced women, especially from the Valmiki community.
The tribal session focused on Gujjar-Bakarwal, Pahari ethnic group, and Paddari Tribe. Dr Javaid Rahi noted benefits post-reorganization through the Forest Rights Act, SC & ST Atrocities (Prevention) Act, and political reservation. Vikrant Sharma, State Coordinator, Pahari Tribe ST Forum, termed recognition of the Pahari community as a tribal group a historic milestone post-reorganization.
In the expert panel, K B Jandial, retired IAS officer, observed deeper emotional integration, reduced militancy, and rising investments creating over 255,000 jobs. Prof Renu Nanda, former HoD Education, JU, emphasized the social responsibility of institutions in building inclusive reforms. Dr Ganesh Malhotra shared insights on strategic and political dynamics in South Asia, linking them to local governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
Legal reforms were discussed by Advocate Kiran Thakur while Dr Swati Sharma, social activist, stressed the importance of women’s rights.
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