Welfare measures aimed to uplift weaker sections in J&K: Omar

He said inclusive and equitable development of the state was the benchmark of the policy programmes of the NC-Congress govt

Wide-ranging measures have been initiated in Jammu and Kashmir during the last five years for welfare of the weaker sections, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today.

After a meeting with National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Vice Chairperson Ravi Thakur here, Omar said the welfare measures were aimed to uplift Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Gujjars, Bakerwals, Pahari-speaking people and other backward classes.

He said inclusive and equitable development of the state was the benchmark of the policy programmes of the NC-Congress coalition government.

Thakur discussed with him issues relating to development and uplift of weaker sections of the society, particularly those belonging to Scheduled Tribes in the state.

Thakur also reviewed the status and implementation of developmental programme, recruitment policy and safeguards concerning Scheduled Tribe community of Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting with heads of various departments of the state government.

Thakur asked the departments concerned to prepare a detailed report on present status of all welfare programmes being implemented in the state and forward it to the Commission by the end of this month.

He also advocated identification of tribal population living along the border areas so that funds could be enhanced for them.

Thakur appreciated the initiatives taken by the state government towards development of socio-economic status of down-trodden classes like Scheduled Tribes (ST) and expressed satisfaction over the overall development measures for their welfare.

He said socio-economic gaps should be reduced and the tribals should get all basic amenities which make them self-reliant in earning their livelihood.