JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated that empowering marginalised communities like the Gujjar-Bakerwal is not an act of generosity but a fundamental duty of his government. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), he asserted that his administration is committed to ensuring the representation and welfare of the Gujjar community.
Chief-Minister-Omar-Abdullah-at-Gujar-Desh-Charitable-Trsut-in-Jammu-on-February-16
Omar Abdullah pointed out that despite constraints in ministerial appointments following last year’s elections, he ensured that the community had a voice in his cabinet by appointing Javed Ahmed Rana as a minister. “After the election, we had to think about the cabinet ministers. However, there was very little scope. I requested Javed Rana to join the cabinet—not only to serve Jammu and Kashmir but also to represent the community, be your voice, and address your issues,” he said.
Javed Ahmed Rana, along with Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, GDCT Patron Chief Abdul Hamid Choudhary, and Chairman Arshid Ali Choudhary, also addressed the gathering.
On the demand for a Tribal University, the Chief Minister encouraged the trust to draft a detailed plan, assuring government support once a concrete proposal was ready. “You should prepare a project. You should prepare a plan. I will sit with your trust, and when your plan is ready, we will definitely do our part,” he promised.
Reflecting on his previous visit to GDCT as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah acknowledged the changes over the years. He paid tribute to the late Dr. Masood A. Choudhary, the visionary founder of GDCT, highlighting his contributions to the community. “The person who planted this seed, whose dream was Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, who laid its foundation, is no longer with us. If I begin my speech without remembering Dr. Masood A. Choudhary, it would be an injustice,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also expressed a personal connection to the trust, recalling his grandmother Madr-e-Meharban’s deep association with it. “I want this trust to grow stronger. 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 backing, he pledged, “On my behalf, on behalf of all ministers, advisors, and the government—wherever you need assistance, you will always find us standing with you.”
Following the event, the Chief Minister visited the library block established by GDCT for research on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community.
