Quota benefits to Gujjars, Bakerwals, Paharis in J-K, says Amit Shah

Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday announced that the Pahari community in Jammu & Kashmir will soon get reservation benefits as Scheduled Tribes (ST) along with the Gujjars and Bakerwals.

Shah dispelled rumours that quota to the Paharis as ST would in any way undermine the reservations given to Gujjars and Bakarwals. "This is a rumour being spread by some to create a wedge between the Gujjar/Bakarwal and Pahari communities," he said.

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The Gujjars and Bakerwals constitute 40% of the population in Rajouri and Poonch. Paharis also live in the same area but they are numerically small. Since April 1991, Gujjars and Bakerwals have enjoyed benefits of 10 per cent quota for STs in jobs and education. The Paharis are also seeking same benefits, which was opposed by the two communities.

Shah said the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 paved the way for providing quota to the deprived sections of the society in J&K. "...the process for quota has been cleared. Justice Sharma's commission has sent the report and recommended reservation for Gujjars, Bakarwals and Paharis and it will be given soon."

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