Rajouri, Feb 14: The Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Mian Altaf Ahmed today said the Government had hosted the proposed draft forest policy on the internet for seeking opinion from experts and public.
He said the opinion of people living near forests would also be sought and for this purpose awareness camps would be held in both Kashmir and Jammu Divisions during next month.
Speaking at a cultural programme organized by Anjuman-e-Gojri Zaban-wa-Adab Dharamsal in collaboration with Academy of Art, Culture and languages, he said the government would pursue the demand for inclusion of Gojri in Eighth Schedule to brighten the prospects for its development. 
He described Gojri as one of the major language of the state and asked the community to work for its development. He said the Government would extend help in this regard. 
He sought cooperation of leaders in encouraging the budding writers and poets of the community and appreciated the contribution of Israel Assar of Dharamsal, in the promotion of Gojri.   
Altaf asked the Gujjars and Bakerwals to avail the benefits of schemes launched by the government.
Acknowledging dependence of Tribal on the forests, he assured the community that his Department would extend cooperation to the people associated with sheep and other animal rearing.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and languages, Zaffar Manhas said the Academy would help the development of Gojri culture and language. He said it was looking forward to hold literary conferences at Jammu and Srinagar where, literary persons would be invited to recommend the measures for the development of various languages being spoken in the state.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST