Jammu, Feb 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday said that uplifting marginalised communities like Gujjars and Bakerwals was not an act of favour but a fundamental duty of his government.
CM Omar said that despite the limitations in ministerial appointments after last year’s elections, he ensured representation for the Gujjar community by appointing Javed Ahmed Rana as a minister in his cabinet.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony held by Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT) in his honour following his election as J&K CM, he said, “After the election, we had to think about the cabinet ministers. However, there was very little scope. I requested Javed Rana Sahab to join the cabinet. Not only will he serve Jammu and Kashmir but also be responsible for representing the community, being your voice, and addressing all your issues.”
The CM said that by inducting Javed Rana into the cabinet, he aimed to ensure that the Gujjar community’s concerns were heard and addressed within the government.
On the demand for a tribal university, he expressed confidence that with the dedication of the trust and its people, this vision would become a reality soon.
“You should prepare a project. You should prepare a plan. I will sit with your trust when your plan is ready. We will definitely do our part,” CM Omar said.
Reflecting on his previous visit to SDCT as CM, he acknowledged the changes over time – some positive, some challenging.
“After a long time, I have again had the opportunity to attend a function of GDCT. When I came here for the last time, I was the CM. A lot has changed since,” the CM said.
Paying tribute to Masood A Choudhary, the founder of GDCT, he praised his legacy and contributions.
“Unfortunately, the person who planted this seed, whose dream was GDCT, who laid its foundation, is no longer with us. If I begin my speech without remembering Choudhary Sahab, it will be injustice,” he said.
CM Omar also expressed his emotional connection to the trust, recalling the close relationship his grandmother, Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, had with it.
“I want this trust to grow stronger. My grandmother had a deep bond with it. Though she is no longer with us, her name is etched here. You have honoured her memory by dedicating a library in her name. I consider it my responsibility to ensure that wherever possible, the government supports this trust in fulfilling its mission,” he said.
Assuring continued government support, the CM said, “I assure you that on my behalf, on behalf of all ministers, the advisor, and the government – wherever you need assistance, you will always find us standing with you.”
Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, who also addressed the event, was in attendance.
Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Patron Chief GDCT Abdul Hamid Choudhary, and Chairman GDCT Arshid Ali Choudhary also spoke at the event.
Later, the CM also visited the library block established by GDCT for research on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community.
