Jammu, Aug 12: The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation – a frontal organisation of Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday urged the State Government to declare Baba Ghulam Shah Badashah University (BGSBU) as State Tribal University
 The Foundation demanded that the University should be developed on modern lines by granting it more financial autonomy on the pattern of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Madhya Pradesh.
 In a letter to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, who is also the Chancellor of the BGSBU,  the Foundation urged him to grant the Tribal status to the University.
 Javaid Rahi, secretary of the Tribal foundation also demanded reservation of 50 percent jobs and seats in admissions) for people of Poonch and Rajouri.
 “More that 60 percent population of twin border districts Poonch and Rajouri belongs to Schedule Tribe category and there are a number of schemes operational with government of India especially with Tribal Ministry to develop such type of educational institution in a big way located in areas where sizeable Tribal population is residing. Other identities of Poonch-Rajouri districts and other parts of the State can take benefit from these schemes if the BGSB University is declared Tribal University,” the letter reads.
 “Poonch and Rajouri districts are very rich in respect of  art, culture, language, customs and medicine systems and the University authorities are not paying heed towards preservation and promotion of local ethos including the development of Gojri and Pahari languages spoken in the areas. We also demand establishing local languages department in the University,” the letter further states.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 12 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 12 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST