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Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results ¦ Volume 14 ¦ Regular Issue 03 ¦ 2023
2867
Role Of Policy Measures And Non-State Actors
For Tribal Upliftment In Jammu And Kashmir: A
Socio-Economic Perspective
Danish Gulzar1 , Bazila Shameem2 , Dr. Javeed Ahmad Bhat3 , Dr. Rajvinder Kaur4
1Research Scholar in Department of Political Science Lovely Professsional University Punjab
Email: danishgulzar3@gmail.com
2Research Scholar in Department of Public Administration Lovely Professsional University Punjab
Email: bazilahassan31@gmail.com
3Associate Professor in Department of Political Science Lovely Professsional University Punjab , Email:
javeed.23652@lpu.co.in
4Assistant Professor in Department of Public Administration Lovely Professsional University Punjab , Email:
rajvinder.27240@lpu.co.in
DOI:
10.47750/pnr.2023.14.03.362
The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is the heavenly abode with diversified social setting that hones the multitude of
cultures and ethnic communities. In this milieu, the study has explored and analyzed the socio-economic circumstances of
tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir and the role of variety of policy measures and non-state actors for their socio-
economic upliftment. The study has adopted qualitative approach and secondary data sources to explore the socio-economic
profile of tribals in Jammu and Kashmir and also discusses the policies and programs for STs in Jammu and Kashmir. In this
context, the findings of the study have revealed that Scheduled Tribal communities in the union territory of Jammu and
Kashmir are socially and economically impoverished, discriminated, and alienated. However, the planned Tribal education
has taken on added significance in light of the country's intended growth in human resources. Education is critical for social
and economic advancement, and the amount of education impacts career opportunities. Furthermore, the data from the census
2011 and 2001 has revealed that education and literacy rates of the Scheduled Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir are significantly
lower than those of tribes at the national level. Unemployment and lack of basic infrastructure seem to be key obstacles to
obtaining an education and an effective career opportunity.
Keywords: Discrimination, Economic, Education, Policy, Tribal
1. Introduction
India is a democratic country with a diverse culture, faiths, traditions, and biological stocks. The country's
population is made up of several classes, tribes, economic, and linguistic divisions. India, the world's second most
populated country, also hosts the world's second-highest concentration of tribal population, perhaps second only
to Africa. The tribal community is one of India's greatest financially deprived and neglected communities. The
Indian Constitution acknowledged tribes people as a disadvantaged segment of society due to their financial and
moral decay and the long history of social injustice and physiological isolation. Although tribal groups are a
minority, accounting for around 8.2 percent of India's overall population or 85 million individuals in relative
terms, they are being marginalized in terms of socio-economic and political. There are currently about 700 tribal
subgroups in India, each having its history, social customs, religion, language, and vocations, and they are spread
across all union territories and states except for Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Puducherry.
The tribesmen are primarily centered in the northeastern states, despite constituting a tiny portion of
India's total tribal communities. The indigenous inhabitants of the land are known by a variety of names, including
Adivasi, Vanyajati, Vanvasi, Pahari, Adimjati, and Anusuchit Jan Jati, the latter of which is the legal name. At
the moment of independence, two groups were primarily discussed: colonists and protectorates; however, a third
category was disregarded and stayed unappreciated: tribals who lived in forests, highlands, as well as on the plains,
Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results ¦ Volume 14 ¦ Regular Issue 03 ¦ 2023
2868
yet isolated from the mainstream of social life (Dube1977). The concept of a tribe was introduced by colonial
authorities, Singh (1995) writes. It was part of a global drive to separate indigenous peoples and conquerors,
primitive and educated, tribesmen and non-tribals". Several sociologists, like Ghurye (1959), Beteille (1991), and
Bailey (1961), believe that a tribe and a caste are not distinct. The definition of the term "tribe" has been a topic
of debate among sociologists.The term "tribe" first appeared during the period of Greek city-states and the
development of the Roman Empire. Tribes in India are viewed largely in the context of their physical and social
isolation from the greater Indian population, rather than in terms of the state.
The union territory of Jammu & Kashmir was the only state with its constitution. The J&K constitution
has designated twelve groups as scheduled tribes through two (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Acts. Balti,
Beda, Bot, Brookpa, Changpa, Garra, Mon, and Purigpa were among the eight tribes awarded this status in 1989;
and Bakerwals, Gujjars, and Gaddis were announced as scheduled tribes under the legislation (Scheduled Tribes)
Order (Amendment) Act, 1991. During the 2001 census, all twelve scheduled tribes were formally enumerated
for the first time, producing an overall number of 1,105,979. The scheduled tribes make up 10.9 percent of the
UT’s overall population and 1.3 percent of the country's tribal population. Most of these tribes are in the state's
Ladakh area.The Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, on the other hand, are predominantly located in the state's
Jammu and Kashmir provinces. Gujjars and Bakerwals (the focus of this study) can be found in almost every
administrative district of the state, but they are predominantly focused in the Jammu province districts of Poonch
and Rajouriand the sedentarization process of the transhumant Bakerwal tribals of the Jammu & Kashmir province
and in Kashmir valley districts of Anantnag, Badgam, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Kupwara. In this background, the
present study will explore the role of policy measures and non-state actors in the socio-economic upliftment of
tribal communities in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Objectives of the Study
The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is the heavenly abode that hones the diversity in terms of culture and
ethnic perspective. Considering the magnitude and diversity of subject matter, the extensive review of literature
has offered and insight into the socio-economic circumstances of tribal communities in the UT of Jammu and
Kashmir. However, the research gap identification under the shadow of review of literature presented an
opportunity to delve deep into the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir, more
particularly Gujjar and Bakerwal community. In this context, following research objectives have been framed:
▪ To explore the socio-economic characteristics of STs of Jammu and Kashmir more particularly Gujjar
and Bakerwal tribal community.
▪ To explore the socio-economic policy measures upliftment of tribal community of Jammu and Kashmir.
▪ To analyze the role of Non-State actors more specifically NGO’s in the socio-economic advancement of
tribal communities of J&K.
3. Research Methodology
The present study is an exploration into the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities of Jammu and
Kashmir. Furthermore, the study has explored the policy measures and role of NGO’s in the socio-economic
upliftment of tribal communities in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In this background the nature of
the study is descriptive, explorative and analytical. The study has adopted the qualitative approach to analyze the
role of policy measures and NGO’s in the tribal upliftment. To draw the precise inferences and to fulfill the above
stated objectives, secondary data has been used including research journals, articles, books, newspaper articles
and other government published reports. All the subject matter has been presented under the appropriate themes.
4. Review of literature
Dilip S (2013) conducted a study on “a systematic study of policies, strategies and approaches for tribal
development” identified the major contributor to the increased diseases amongst tribal population are poverty,
low literacy, inadequate health services, poor environmental sanitation , lack of safe drinking water and also found
out that numerous programmes for tribal development have been developed and put into action from the start of
the first five-year plan to the current twelve-year plan. Countless trillions of rupees have been invested in tribal
Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results ¦ Volume 14 ¦ Regular Issue 03 ¦ 2023
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development. However, the majority of programmes have either fallen short of expectations or failed to produce
results. Rafaqi (2014) investigated in his study that the Gujjar and Bakerwal, two of the largest tribes in Jammu
& Kashmir, are underprivileged and in poor health. Study also revealed that Compared to the Bakerwal tribe, the
Gujjar tribe is better established because the Gujjar community is residing in their own houses where as
Bakerwal’s are nomadic they move from one place to another in search of fodder for their animals. According to
Zaheer et, al (2015) literacy rate among Gujjars was 31.65% and among Bakerwals 22.51% as per 2011 census
the study also investigated that Gujjar and Bakarwals socioeconomic and educational circumstances in the state
of Jammu & Kashmir are not good. In his study, N.K. Ambasht (1970) notes that social distance between the
teacher and the student in tribal areas is the primary factor contributing to the illiteracy of Gujjar and Bakarwal
people. According to K.S. Chalam's 1993 study on educational policy for human resource development,
educational changes are necessary for the growth of scheduled tribes. S.M. Dubey (1972) studied education, social
transformation, and political consciousness among tribal communities in north-eastern India and came to the
conclusion that these communities needed to develop political consciousness because they were undeveloped and
illiterate. In Jammu and Kashmir, R.P. Khatana (1976) conducted research on marriages and kinship among the
Gujjar and Bakerwal tribes and came to the conclusion that these scheduled tribes strictly practice intercommunity
and intraclan marriages. Khatana also examined some aspects of transhumance in mountainous traits in 1976.
Aparna, M. (2008) in her research work has explored the status of women among India's scheduled tribes
and found that gender equality within tribal groups is complicated and that tribal women are, on average, less
educated. A study on the topography, history, and races from Jammu via Kashmir to Ladakh and Gilgit was
undertaken by Drew, F. (1997). According to the author, the Dard were well-proportioned individuals with broad
shoulders, a relatively robust frame, and active, tenacious mountaineers, Typically, those with black hair and
brown or hazel eyes. They lacked much regard for human life but were yet brave and fierce. In his research of
education, social transformation, and political consciousness among the tribes of north-eastern India, Dubey, S.
M. (1972), came to the conclusion that the tribes were illiterate and backward, and that political awareness needed
to be raised among them. The history of the Gujjar community and the origin of the Gujjar clan were methodically
uncovered by Dr. Javaid Rahi (2011). Author also analyses gujjar political empowerment in J&K. Gender equality
among tribal groups is a complex phenomena, according to Aparna Mitra's (2008) study on the status of women
among India's scheduled tribes, which found that tribal women are less educated than women from other tribes.
To overcome the marginalization and socio-economic backwardness of different communes across India,
NGO’s in line with governance mechanism have taken a parallel lead. In this background, Krut (1997) points out
that Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs) begun as a crucial force globally during 1980s, working towards
protection of human rights and provide essential amenities to the destitute. Furthermore, Verghese (1977) points
out NGOs in India stimulate and mobilize communities and utilize resources in target population through personal
involvement and therefore gradually include the target communities in developmental process. Sen (1999) argues
that though the nature of NGO community is heterogeneous, but at the local level, State-NGO relationships can
be categorized by the resentment of politicians, local elites, party workers and lower-level workers of the state
concerning NGO activity. In context to Jammu and Kashmir, Lone and Ganaie (2016) highlighted problems and
remedies of NGOs in Kashmir and how NGOs can play an essential role in bringing peace to valley. Inadequacy
of funds, Lack of committed leadership, misappropriation of funds, Insufficient competent personnel, Lack of
people’s involvement and awareness are some of the major problems faced by NGOs in Kashmir.
5. Theorizing Exclusion and Governance Model
Being poor does not only reflect that a person is not financially stable, or he/she lacks money to support a decent
way of life. It has many problems associated such as malnutrition, access to basic hygiene and healthcare facilities,
social ostracization, and a lack of inclusion in the process of decision-making. Poverty has a disproportionate
impact on various groups of individuals. Despite a period of remarkable economic progress and considerable
enhancement in living conditions of the poor and deprived, the World Social Report (2020) by UN underlines
wide inequalities both within a nation and across various countries. However, governments play a crucial role in
promoting equality in societies by safeguarding the weak and ensuring that the benefits are distributed equally
among all sections in an unbiased manner. The choices made by other nations, however, can stifle domestic
policymaking in our more interconnected globe. In this background, the theoretical framework as laid down below
presents an insight into the exclusion of marginal groups/communities in the socio-economic arena.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results ¦ Volume 14 ¦ Regular Issue 03 ¦ 2023
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Social Exclusion Theory: Social exclusion refers to the various ways in which persons might be cut off from full
participation in society. Red Lenoir of France first used the term "social exclusion" in the 1970s; nevertheless, the
theory did not become widely known until the 1980s. The process of denying individuals or groups full access to
rights, resources, and opportunities that are regularly available to members of other communities and are essential
for the social existence is known as social exclusion. A social rupture is caused by social exclusion, which is a
multifaceted notion. It prohibits members of the excluded community from participating in daily activities and
deliberations in the social setting in which they reside (Byrne, 2005). Social exclusion prevents the afflicted
individuals or community from contributing to the socio-economic and political organisations of the society in
which they reside. In this respect, social exclusion may cause the excluded community to rebel through lobbying,
protests, and demonstrations (Sen, 2000). According to Giddens (1998:104) "Exclusion does not concern
gradations of unfairness, it was about procedures that act to separate distinct groups of individuals from the justice
theory".
Collaborative Governance Model:. In formal terms, governance refers to “the approaches of social organization
through which actors involve in rule making and execution”. Collaboration on the other hand can be described as
the “manner in which organizations with a stake in a problem strive for a mutually agreed resolution (by pursuing)
aims that they could not accomplish operating alone” (Sink, 1998). Behaviourally, the state should be the sole
decision making authority and carry them out autonomously, without seeking any external help i.e. in theory, a
state alone should decide on the allocation, and administration of services in a society. However, according to
empirical evidence, as problems get more complicated, networks of public, commercial, and not-for-profit
organisations are increasingly spreading in industrialised countries to replace markets and hierarchies. NGOs can
affect how well governments function in public administration when NGOs and governments collaborate.
Government agencies are requesting contribution from all actors of civil society in development
process and awareness so that they may serve the community better. The World Bank boosted the proportion of
its plans and projects including civil society organisations (CSOs), especially NGOs, from 21% to 72% from the
year 1990 and 2006 and to 81% by 2009. This increase reflects the bank's confidence in NGOs. Similarly, the
“Fineman’s Theory of Vulnerability” also focuses on the collaboration of both government and non-state actors
to for safety, security and upliftment of vulnerable communities. In the above theoretical background, the present
research will be explore the marginality of tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir from the socio-economic
perspective. Furthermore, the “Collaborative Governance Model” will act as a safety valve to explore the role of
NGO’s in the governance and developmental avenues of tribal communities across the administrative regions of
J&K.
6. Tribal Profile of Jammu and Kashmir
According to 2011 census statistics, Eleven percent of the state's population constitutes tribal groups, having
presence in scattered pattern acroos J&K. For example, the Balti tribe is primarily found in the Kargil and Leh
districts (Kaul, 1998). Another tribe from J&K is the Beda; the majority of them live as nomads in Leh (Mann,
2002). Another tribe in J&K, the Boto, is thought to be of Mongolian ancestry.The main economic activities
carried out by this tribe include agriculture, raising herds of cattle, and flocks of sheep. According to census 2001
the population of Gujjar and Bakerwal Tribal’s is higher than other tribal communities.
Table 1: Tribal Population of Jammu and Kashmir
Tribal communities
Population
Percentage
Bakerwal
113198
8.19
Balti
51918
3.75
Beda
420
0.03
Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results ¦ Volume 14 ¦ Regular Issue 03 ¦ 2023
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Boto
91495
6.62
Brokpa
48439
3.50
Changpa
2661
0.19
Gaddi
46489
3.36
Gara
504
0.03
Gujjar
980654
70.97
Mon
829
0.05
Purigpa
391010
2.82
Sippi
-
-
Source: Raqesh Sharma (2016)
7. Characteristics of Schedule Tribe’s of Jammu and kashmir
The diversified Indian communes are differentiated by a range of characteristics that are inherent or developed
based on socialization. The deifinite characteristics of a particular group/commune makes it unique as compared
to other groups/communities. In this contex, the tribal population of Jammu and Kashmir is fragmented and
subdivided into 12 tribal groups with unique cultural and value system. The tribal population is completely ill-
assorted with each clan holding its own designation and culture, rituals, location based activity, and way of life.
One of their unique attributes bulk of people live in dispersed and tiny dwellings in isolated and inaccessible
habitations hilly and forestry areas. The main characteristics of these tribal communities include: primitive manner
of life, dwelling in distant and inaccessible locations, and migratory habits and a penchant for drinking and
dancing. In (1952), the Commissioner of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes listed eight characteristics of
Indian tribal groups:
▪ They are always found in inaccessible areas including forest and highlands, away from the developed
society.
▪ They are classified into three stocks: Negritos, Australoids, and Mangoloids.
▪ They share a regional accent.
▪ They favour simple jobs like hunting, and harvesting forest resources.
▪ The majority of them are predatory or follow migratory way of livelihood.
▪ They prefer to live openly .
▪ They have a rural life and like drinking and dancing.
▪ They prefer the primitive religion known as "Spiritualism," in which shadows and spirits are revered
as the most critical parts.
In view of above characteristics, the tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir more importantly the
Gujjar’s and Bakerwal’s are backward in terms of education and economic perspective. These communities are
living a primitive mode of life and do subsitence farming at small scale. Both the communities and engaged in
seasonal migration where goats are mailnly reared by Bakkerwal community and Sheep and other animals are
reared by Gujjar community. These communities are living at the periphery of urban habitations and have minimal
presence in urban areas. Considering the case of girl child education Showkeen (2013) has highlighted that several
tribal families do not want their daughters to attend co-educational schools, particularly at the upper secondary
level. Therefore, make it challenging for indigenous girls to attend schools in adjacent villages (Gul and Khan,
2014).
8. Socio-Economic Profile of Tribes in J&K
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Economic Perspective: The Socio-Economic Status (SES) of a person refers to how well off he/she is in terms
of material possessions, cultural assets, level of respect, authority, and influence in the society in which they live
(Eshleman and Cahion,1985). The Gujjars and Bakerwal’s are migratory tribes in the J&K state, mostly depend
on agriculture for their livelihood. Animals like sheep, goats, and buffalo are herded by them. Few of them,
though, manage to acquire cultivable land and a few buffaloes and other animals while remaining passive
(Virender, 2014). The majority of Gujjars and Bakerwal’s raise cattle for a variety of reasons, but when they do
it for profit and depend on it for their life, it may be argued that they are part of the pastoral economy. Typically,
pastoralists do not live fixed lives and only become nomads and wanderers as a result of push or pull factors.
During harsh winters, the pastoral tribes that live in mountainous areas move to the plains with their cattle, but
they return to their permanent homes at the beginning of summer (Ruhi, 2014). The Gujjars, who are primarily
found in the Subtropical (Jammu Region) zone produce milk. Gujjars are the primary milk producers in the Jammu
region (Singh, 2012). In the lower, medium, and upper mountain regions, the Gujjars and Bakarwals of Jammu
and Kashmir rely heavily on animal husbandry as their primary source of income. For commercial purposes,
animals including sheep, cows, and goats are kept. The raising of animals is a major component of the economy
of Jammu and Kashmir. Animal husbandry in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the state's key economic sectors, has
significantly improved the state's financial situation.
Educational Perspective: Education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of children's, communities',
and nations' growth. In comparison to other state residents, the Gujjar and Bakarwal educational levels are too
low. Already, the population of these tribal villages is falling behind that of the other tribes in the troubled area.
While frequently more severe, some of the difficulties in providing educational services to transhumant
communities are comparable to those faced by other rural and disadvantaged households in the area. These include
militancy, nomadism, and a lack of educators ready to work in the volatile environments present in these regions,
inadequate infrastructure and uninspired educators, households dependent on livestock, and families with young
children.
Table 2: J&K Scheduled Tribe Literacy Rate: 2001-2011 (Percentage Wise)
State/Country
Literacy Rate: 2001
Gap in
Literacy
Rate
Literacy Rate: 2011
Gap in
Literacy
Rate
Total
ST
Total
ST
J&K
55.5
37.5
18.0
67.2
50.6
16.6
India
64.8
47.1
17.7
73.0
59.0
14.0
Source: Census of India, 2001 & 2011
The above table illustrates the national and state level literacy rate among the general and ST population in the
erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The data unveils the dark side of literacy rate among the ST population of
J&K. According to above statistics, the lieracy rate at state level in J&K in 2001 was 55.5% which is 18% higher
than ST population. In the similar fashion, the literacy rate of J&K in 2011 was 67.2% which is 16.6% higher than
ST population. In this context it can be inferred that literacy rate of ST population of J&K is quite minimal as
compared to their counterparts. However, the year 2011 has witnessed upward trend in terms of literacy rate as
compared to 2001 among the ST’s. while comparing the literacy rate of ST’s at national level and J&K level, it
came to notice that literacy of ST’s at national level is quite impressive than ST’s as state level in J&K. Therefore,
the educational backwardness among ST’s in J&K presents the sad picture. Keeping in view the educational
backwardness of ST’s in J&K, the government has undertaken variety of policy measures for their upliftment.
9. Barriers in the education of Gujjars and Bakarwals in jammu and kashmir
Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results ¦ Volume 14 ¦ Regular Issue 03 ¦ 2023
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There are multitude of reasons that have altered the routine educational standards of ST’s in Jammu & Kashmir.
In this context, following important issues were discovered based on previous study and government reports in
Jammu and Kashmir's tribal districts.
Monetary Barrier: The Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes are migrants that dwell in the mountains. They have no means
of income, and the girls in these communities always assist their parents with home tasks. In these circumstances,
their parents exploit their employment in domestic responsibilities, making it harder for the girls to gain entrance
to schools.
Lacking of Infrastructure: Even though the administration has established seasonal schools for migrants, the
state of these schools is terrible. There is sufficient infrastructure for these institutions, which lack basic
educational tools such as blackboards, whiteboards, chairs, and benches. Moreover, children at these schools do
not have facilities, which adds to the problems for these pupils who participate in seasonal schools (Suri, 2014).
Basic Barrier: Because the Gujjar and Bakarwals are migrants, they graze sheep and buffalos and move from
one location to another in quest of grazing area. They spend the bulk of their lives in highland places remote from
villages; there is also no transportation links in these hilly regions. As a result, these structural impediments
10. Policies and Programs for ST’s of Jammu and Kashmir
Marginalization is “an experience that occurs when a person/group of people are less able to do things or having
limited access to basic services or opportunities in a formal setting”. Marginalized groups/people are within the
society which is most vulnerable to poverty and discrimination. In context to Jammu and Kashmir, there are
various groups/communities that are vulnerable in terms of education, healthcare, employment and other aspects.
To overcome their marginalization, the government has put in various policy measures to uplift them socially and
economically. Accordingly following policy measures have been undertaken in terms of education and
employment oriented
Van Dhan Scheme:. On the involvement of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Government of India has
commenced the process to extend the scheme's benefits to J&K for the first time. It will greatly aid tribal
populations who rely on the forest. The Tribal Affairs Department had developed a concept to broaden the Prime
Minister's Van Dhan Scheme to J&K, with the goal of giving livelihood support to tribal people, mainly women.
The Scheme intends to build clusters of Tribal Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in tribal concentration pockets, allowing
communities to take advantage of a variety of livelihood prospects. SHGs with 20 members will really be formed,
and that each region of 15 SHGs will obtain a grant of Rs 15.00 Lakh as explicit support, as well as necessary
facilities of Rs 20.00 Lakh annually. A special emphasis is also being focused on constructing SHGs of transitory
communities. in the first phase t he initiative, which is being implemented in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch,
Reasi, Ganderbal, and Shopian, seeks to provide financial assistance, business development, packaging and value
addition assistance, promotion, and support infrastructure including over 10,000 nomadic adolescents, women,
and entrepreneurs. Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Ramban, Kathua, Anantnag, Pulwama, Bandipora, Kulgam, and
Kupwara would be completed in phase II. To help the participating entities and districts, TRIFED has appointed
and authorized a help desk agency. The plan is suggested to be executed by districts in collaboration with JKSRLM
and other departments.
Khadi and village scheme : The Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), established
in 1962, is vital in creating jobs for the state's rural poor, jobless people, and poverty stricken tradesmen by
supplying monetary and technical assistance for the formation of micro and small scale industrial production units.
The following programmes are run by the board under its auspices: (i) Prime Minister's Job Creation Initiative
(PMEGP), (ii) Funding scheme for the revitalization of traditional industries (SFURTI) and other programmes.
Milk Village: The administration has designated Jerri village in Reasi district as the Union Territory's first 'Milk
Village,' and has approved 57 new dairy farms for the settlement under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme
(IDDS). The community, which has 73 separate dairy units and 370 cows, would provide economic security to
the small growers. Milking machine, bulk milk cooling unit at 50% subsidy (maximum Rs 5 lakh), paneer making
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machine, khoya making, Dahi making, cream separator, ice cream making machine, butter and ghee making
machine (maximum subsidy Rs 3. 5 lakh), milk van (maximum subsidy Rs 2 lakh), milk ATM subsidy of Rs 5
lakh are also included in the scheme.
Scheme with Bank Assistance (BANK TIE-UP SCHEME): The Scheduled Tribes Category persons who are
permanent resident of J&K State, living Below the Poverty Line (BPL) and are not defaulters of any financial
institution can avail this scheme to establish the income generating unit costing upto Rs.1.00 Lac. The corporation
sponsors loan proposals of eligible persons to various banks in accordance with the “SERVICE AREA
APPROACH” for financing. The corporation provides subsidy upto 50% of the project cost subject to maximum
Rs. 10000/- per beneficiary under Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub- Plan (TSP) and rest of the
amount of unit cost is the Bank Loan.
Skill Development Programme: The Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes & Backward
Classes Development Corporation Limited has been undertaking various skill development programmes by
imparting training to the candidates of the target groups to develop their skills and knowledge with a view to
enhance their competence for wage employment /self employment. Under the scheme the corporation arranges
need based vocational training/ skill development programme with the financial support from National Scheduled
Tribes Finance & Development Corporation (NSTFDC), New Delhi or other sources. The corporation bears 100%
cost of training.
Book Bank Scheme for ST Students: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has established book bank in
Universities and Professional College for ST students. The sets of expensive books and Almirahs are provided for
ST students studying in the professional colleges and universities. The sanctioning authority for these books is
Director Social Welfare. These libraries act as reservoirs of knowledge for ST students and enable these students
to access to books in different subjects.
Reservation in Educational Institutes: The administrative council of Jammu & Kashmir had revised the
reservation policy of the UT in December 2019. The Administrative Council has pegged 10 percent reservation
for Scheduled Tribes (STs) of the UT. The reservation should be applicable in direct recruitment, admission in
professional institutions and distribution of seats in professional institutions at the PG level in Medical,
Engineering, Agriculture and similar other post graduate courses.
Hostels for ST Boys and ST Girls: The scheme of construction of hostels aims to supplement the efforts of the
State Governments for creating a congenial study atmosphere free from the shackles of domestic shores, so as to
encourage students belonging to the target groups to pursue their education career without dropping out.
11. Assessment and Consideration of Specific Improvement Programs
Any training program launched to eradicate poverty and economic backwardness will fail to fulfill its goals unless
it is successfully executed.The benefits of all poverty reduction efforts have not produced the anticipated results
in the past. In truth, the advantages have not been distributed to the affected populace. The effectiveness of any
growth plan, rather than its mere introduction, determines its success or failure.The benefits of all poverty
reduction efforts have not produced the anticipated results in the past. In truth, the advantages have not been
distributed to the affected populace. The effectiveness of any growth plan, rather than its mere introduction,
determines its success or failure.
In view of above background, the census 2011 has highlighted that, literacy rate at state level is
67.16%, while as literacy rate for ST’s 60.6%. There is improvement in the literacy rate of all the
groups/communities in J&K including tribal communities and the rate of change is quite impressive But, despite
the continuous efforts of central and state government to encourage education among the ST’s, the literacy rate of
some tribes such as Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir is extremely low (47.3%) as compared to state average
(67.16%). From the economic perspective, Bhat (2018) stated that economy of tribal communities most
importantly Gujjar tribal economy is fragile and they are still doing primitive jobs like cattle rearing. Furthermore,
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the tribal communites have minimal presence in Household Industries as compred to other communities of J&K.
From the above discussion, it can be inferred that tribal communities lie at the periphery of socio-economic
development. But the showcase of policy benefits also presents an impressive image and they play a lead role to
uplift the marginal communities.
12. NGO’s and Social-Economic Development of Tribals: A Governance
Perspective
A dynamic, active, and vocal civil society especially NGOs is the cornerstone of democracy and a defense
mechanism against bad governance. Verghese (1977) points out that NGO’s are able to stimulate and mobilize
communities and utilize resources in target population through personal involvement and therefore gradually
include the target communities in developmental process. NGOs are helping to supplement the government’s
attempts to ensure that the advantages of the multiple development programs and policies reach as many
individuals as possible. In context to Jammu and Kashmir, there are multitude of NGO’s working for socio-
economic development, environment protection and peace building.
In line with the above framework, the members of the Gujjar community have also initiated some
reformative measures measures for the advancement of their community. The prominent ones include:
Jammu and Kashmir Tribal United Forum: is a registered NGO working in the field of tribal welfare. The
foundation was laid down in 2010 and focus was pressed upon sustainable development.
Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) is a community-supported non-profit organisation working
for the socio-economic and political uplift of Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir. The organisation
was established in the year 1998. The organisation also contributes to Gujjar studies and their culture by promoting
national collaboration through research.
Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT): The conceptual framework for GDCT was laid down in 1992. The
primary focus of the trust is to spread the education among the Gujjars of J&K and to make them aware about
their rights and privileges. The trust is also associated with the preservation and promotion of Gujjar culture, art,
literature, language and music etc. The central theme of the trust is to restore the glory and grandeur that once
belonged to the Gujjar community.
13. Way Forward
The study exposed that the Gujjar tribe is more firmly established than the Bakerwal tribe. The majority of Gujjars
live in villages that are close to major marketplaces, raise buffalo, are farmers, and have their own homes. As a
result of having convenient access to a variety of amenities, including those for transit, health, and education.
Because of their nomadic lifestyle, the Bakerwal Clan frequently roams the upper Himalayas in search of grazing
land for their goats. As a result, they are removed from society's bustle and unaware of the different policies and
programmes that are accessible to them. Comparing the Gujjars and Bakarwals to other groups in society, their
literacy percentage is excessively low. While frequently more severe, some of the difficulties in providing
educational services to transhumant communities are comparable to those faced by other rural and disadvantaged
households in the area. In order to draw a conclusion, it is stated that the socioeconomic and educational level of
Gujjar and Bakarwal in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is not sufficient. Although a small number of families
have achieved success in schooling, the bulk of tribal members continue to struggle owing to their illiteracy and
poverty.
In the above background, the following recommendations and policy changes are must for improving the
educational and economic aspects of tribal communities of J&K.
▪ Policy measures should be communicated to tribal communities by conventional and modern means of
communication.
▪ NGO’s should take a lead to educate and impart the tribal communities for creating an inclusive society.
▪ Government and NGO’s should work in collaboration mode for garnering greater efficiency in the
policy implemantion.
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▪ Consultation of all stakeholders including members of tribal communities, media and NGO’s is must
while framing any tribal policy.
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