Tribal org appeals PM for comprehensive socio-economic package

An organisation working for tribals in Jammu and Kashmir has asked the Prime Minister to announce a comprehensive package "in shape of a resolution" for the community during his visit to the state beginning Tuesday.
"The Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir appeal to Dr Manmohan Singh for a comprehensive socio-economic package for the tribal community in shape of a resolution of all pending tribal issues with the Union government," secretary of Tribal Foundation Javaid Rahi said in a statement today.
The issues include opening of a tribal university, inclusion of Gojri into eighth schedule of the Constitution and special census of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals, he said.

"Gujjars are demanding a tribal university in the state prior to 2007 when the first ever National Tribal University was established in Madhya Pradesh," Rahi said.
"Inclusion of Gojri language into official languages of India is still pending with the Union government," he said.
Tribal language deserves more constitutional safeguards and should be inducted into the list of official languages of India as it is one of the oldest and ancient languages of South Asia, Rahi said.
Rahi also urged the Prime Minister to enhance the centrally-sponsored tribal sub-plan to empower Gujjars in terms of financial resources.