Set up small-scale industries in Jammu and Kashmir to provide Gujjars jobs, urges BJP minister

JAIPUR: National executive member of BJP ST Morcha Ishfaq Ur Rehman Poswal today urged Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram to set up small-scale industries in tribal areas of Jammu and Kashmir to help provide jobs to Gujjar community, especially the youths.

"Since Gujjars rear livestock, mostly sheep, there is a great scope for establishing wool and khadi industries in tribal areas to address the problem of unemployment," a release quoting Poswal said here.

He informed the minister that a move by the government will enhance job opportunities for literate Gujjar youths, girls and others, it said, adding, he also submitted a memorandum with regard to establishment of wool and khadi industries in tribal areas.

Oram assured Poswal that the ministry will look into the matter and take necessary measures for the welfare of Gujjars, the release said.

"I am hopeful that the ministry will take necessary measures to help provide jobs to lakhs of jobless Gujjar youths in the state of Jammu and Kashmir which has been badly hit due to the turmoil for past over two decades," he added.