GBEA Delegation Calls On Javed Rana, Advocates for Integrated Tribal Reform and Employee Welfare

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU FEBRUARY 09:–In a significant move to address the multi-dimensional challenges facing the tribal community, a delegation of the Gujjar-Bakarwal Employees Association (GBEA), Jammu & Kashmir, led by its President, Ch. Muhammad Asad Noomani, held an extensive consultative meeting today with the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana.

During this interaction, the association presented a comprehensive memorandum that strategically bifurcated its advocacy into two critical pillars: the professional grievances of tribal employees and the broader socio-economic welfare of tribes.

Regarding the service conditions of tmembers especially Gujjar-Bakerwal currently in government employment, the delegation placed a heavy emphasis on achieving administrative equity and career progression.

A primary concern raised was the immediate and effective implementation of reservation in promotions, alongside the urgent need to expedite growth avenues for Anganwadi Workers and Supervisors whose career advancement has remained stagnant for years.

Furthermore, the GBEA highlighted the specific hardships faced by the teaching fraternity within the tribal sector, demanding the provision of TA/DA for mobile teachers and the immediate filling of vacant posts in seasonal schools to ensure a stable and motivated workforce.

Parallel to these professional demands, the delegation championed a wide-reaching agenda for the general welfare of the tribal population especially Gujjar-Bakerwals, with a particular focus on educational accessibility and infrastructure.

They advocated for a systemic overhaul of the tribal education model through the establishment of additional Tribal Smart Schools in far-flung areas and the integration of vocational training to prepare tribal youth for modern economic challenges.

To support students from marginalized backgrounds, the memorandum called for the enhancement of Scheduled Tribe scholarship schemes and the construction of adequate hostel facilities in every district.

Additionally, the delegation stressed the necessity of providing reliable transport logistics for students residing in remote or migratory habitations, ensuring that geographic isolation does not remain a barrier to education.

Minister Javed Ahmed Rana provided a patient and attentive hearing to the delegation, acknowledging the legitimacy of the concerns raised.

He reaffirmed Omar Abdullah Government’s steadfast commitment to inclusive development and social justice, emphasizing that the Tribal Affairs Department is actively working to bridge the developmental gaps that have historically hindered the Gujjar-Bakarwal and other marginalised communities.

He assured the association that the government is undertaking focused, result-oriented efforts to ensure equitable access to public services, employment and quality education.

The delegation expressed their gratitude for the Minister’s proactive approach, marking a hopeful step toward the early redressal of long-standing community and service-related issues.