J&K Tribal Welfare: Minister Javed Ahmed Rana Advocates for Evidence-Based Policy and Gujjar-Bakerwal Cultural Preservation

JAMMU, J&K | March 02, 2026 — In a strategic move to overhaul tribal development, Minister for Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana convened a high-level consultative meeting on Monday with the trustees of the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT).

The discussions centered on a dual-track approach: the urgent preservation of Gojri culture, art, and language, alongside the socio-economic upliftment of the Gujjar-Bakerwal community. Minister Rana emphasized that for government interventions to be truly effective, they must transition from anecdotal planning to evidence-based policy.

He called for a robust synergy between civil society and state institutions, specifically urging the Trust to collaborate with the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) to produce high-quality, data-driven research on the contemporary challenges and traditional practices of tribal life.The Minister highlighted that safeguarding indigenous identity is inseparable from economic empowerment, noting that “policy must be rooted in credible data.”

During the session, GDCT Chairman Arshad Choudhary presented a roadmap focused on educational outreach, youth empowerment, and the digital documentation of tribal heritage. The meeting, which included Director Tribal Affairs Mohammad Mumtaz Ali and TRI Director Dr. Abdul Khabir, underscored the government’s resolve to design targeted, responsive programs.

By integrating field-based research with existing welfare schemes, the administration aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable development model for the nomadic and tribal populations across Jammu and Kashmir.