A top Gujjar leader today demanded that the Centre's 'Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao' campaign be implemented in "letter and spirit" in areas resided by Gujjars and Bakarwals in the state to improve literacy among the communities.
The Gujjar and Bakarwal communities reside mostly in mountainous and far-flung areas near the Line of Control. They are mainly goatherds and shepherds.
Shamsher Hakla Poonchi said the literacy rate among the women from the communities was poor and concerted efforts were needed by the government to improve the situation.
Poonchi demanded a special package for the communities.
The women from the communities were still "economically, educationally, socially and politically lagging", primarily because of lack of schools in the areas they reside, he said.
"The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign should be implemented in letter and spirit in Gujjar and Bakarwal habitations," he demanded.
He called for opening of boarding schools for Gujjar and Bakarwals girls and also urged the state women commission to take steps for their welfare.
"Problems and need of Gujjars and Bakarwals women are of peculiar in nature and quite different from other communities. The language and culture of this community is also different than those of other communities of this state," he said.
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