Thanamandi (Rajouri), May 19: The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday reiterated that his government would persuade the issue of granting ST status to Pahari people with the Centre.
“Grant of ST status to Paharis will not be at the cost of Gujjars and Bakerwals,” Omar said after inaugurating the Degree College complex,
constructed at a cost of over Rs 5.75 crore, here.
He maintained that government was committed to safeguard the interests of Gujjars and Bakerwals while pursuing ST status to Paharis.
The Chief Minister asked the people to remain cautious of designs of elements wanting to wedge apart various sections of the society for vested interests. He asked them to remain united and exhibit the traditional
amity and brotherhood.
Omar said that the commissioning of Mughal road would give new meaning to the economic progress of Poonch and Rajouri districts especially the backward areas where from the road has been constructed. “Besides income generation, the road will open up the areas for tourist development
and trade and economic activities,” he said.
In an apparent reference to Dr Faesal, who topped Indian Administrative Services (IAS) recently, Omar said, “Various young Kashmiris have proved their mettle by topping and figuring in the selection lists of IAS and other examinations,”He said boys and girls of the state were set to achieve new highs in coming years.
Omar emphasized on providing required faculties in the Degree Colleges adding that the infrastructure alone cannot help achieve the goals set in the sector of higher education. “Unless educational institutions are provided with qualified and needed teaching staff, the development will be lopsided”,he asserted.
Underlining the importance of skills development and enhancement of employability among the educated youth, the Chief Minister said that besides 18 modern Polytechnic Colleges about 140 ITIs are being established in the state of which around 60 to 70 would come up in Poonch, Rajouri and adjacent districts. He urged the youth to seek technical education and get easily absorbed in the job market.
The Chief Minister said that over 70 per cent population is living in rural and far flung areas and government functionaries have to reach them for all round development. “Education is the sector receiving focus of the government”, he said and told Education Department to implement the schemes as per the schedules ensuring benefits to the students.
He said quality education and human resources development should be the bench mark of educational institutions in the state.
Omar said that in order to ensure education to the children of Gujjar and Bakerwal migratory population government had initiated measures for revival of mobile schools.
He said these communities could not take best advantage of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for being educationally backward. He urged them to ensure proper education to their children.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 IST