Empowering the Gujjar Bakkarwal Community: A Call for GB Bhavans, Land Allotment, and IT Infrastructure
Srinagar, Raj Bhavan – May 18, 2024
In a significant address at the Raj Bhavan, Syed Basharat Moosa, National Advisor, articulated a comprehensive vision for the upliftment of the Gujjar Bakkarwal (GB) community in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking directly to the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Moosa underscored the critical juncture at which the GB community finds itself and outlined essential initiatives to enhance their welfare.
GB Bhavans: Hubs of Hope and Heritage
Moosa highlighted the urgent need for the establishment of GB Bhavans. These community centers are envisioned as multifaceted hubs providing essential services such as shelter, healthcare, and educational resources. More than mere buildings, these Bhavans would be cultural sanctuaries where the rich heritage of the GB community can be preserved and celebrated. During seasonal migrations, these centers would offer a stable and welcoming environment, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity.
Land Allotment: Foundations for a Secure Future
Another cornerstone of Moosa’s address was the call for land allotment to GB community members. Securing land parcels is vital for establishing permanent settlements, which in turn provides security of tenure. This stability is crucial for building homes, cultivating land, and creating sustainable livelihoods. Land allotment would not only enhance economic stability but also ensure that future generations have a firm foundation on which to build prosperous lives.
Advancing IT Infrastructure: Bridging the Digital Divide
In an era where technology drives progress, Moosa emphasized the necessity of developing robust IT infrastructure tailored to the needs of the GB community. Prioritizing the creation of websites, mobile applications, and data security measures is essential to improving communication, access to information, and community engagement. By embracing digital tools, the GB community can bridge the digital divide, empowering themselves with knowledge and resources that are critical in today’s world.
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Startups
Moosa also highlighted the potential of entrepreneurship and startups as catalysts for economic empowerment within the GB community. By nurturing entrepreneurial initiatives, the community can generate employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and foster innovation. Support for startups would enable community members to leverage their unique skills and cultural heritage in new and impactful ways.
A Call for Unity and Action
In his closing remarks, Moosa called for collective action and unity. He urged community leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to join forces in advocating for the resources and support necessary to make these vital projects a reality. The realization of GB Bhavans, land allotment, and IT infrastructure would not only address immediate needs but also pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the GB community in Jammu and Kashmir.
Joining Moosa in this pivotal appeal were Choudhary Farooq Ah Bajad and Mohammad Iqbal, who echoed the sentiments and emphasized the importance of these initiatives. Their combined voices underscore a shared commitment to uplifting the GB community and ensuring their inclusion in the broader narrative of progress and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the GB community stands at this crucial crossroads, the implementation of these initiatives promises to transform their socio-economic landscape, fostering resilience, empowerment, and sustainable growth. The time to act is now, and with concerted efforts, a new chapter of prosperity and inclusion for the Gujjar Bakkarwal community can be written.