Handwara, October 17(JKNS): Hundreds of people, including men, women and children, participated in the Mela Khidmat-E-Gujjar Bakerwal, organised in collaboration with the Vilgam Battalion of the Indian Army at Villgam, Hafthrada, in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The programme focused on tribal welfare, grassroots development, women’s empowerment and social security for economically weaker sections of society.
The event was organised with the support of the Vilgam Battalion under the leadership of Colonel Sachin Mahra, Commanding Officer (CO), Vilgam Battalion, with the objective of strengthening community engagement and promoting awareness about various government welfare schemes.
The mela focused on initiatives benefiting the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, senior citizens, women, children and other deserving sections of society.
It highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment, education, protection of the girl child under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, old-age pensions, healthcare facilities, livelihood opportunities and educational assistance for needy families.
The programme also provided an opportunity for local residents to learn about their entitlements, share their grievances and seek guidance from the concerned authorities regarding various government welfare schemes and development initiatives.
The event was organised under the leadership of Advocate Tajamul Choudhary, Chairman of Khidmat-E-Gujjar Bakerwal Trust, with the aim of promoting social justice, inclusive development and the overall welfare of tribal communities.
Several dignitaries and officials attended the programme, including the CEO of 12 Maratha, Indian Army; Officer Commanding (OC), Hafthrada; Tehsildar Tarathpora; Naib Tehsildar Ramhall; BDO Ramhall; Advocate Altaf Ganderbali; and BMO Villgam, along with other officials and community members.
Social activist Altaf Bhat served as the programme coordinator, while social activist Shaikh Bilal Gani was also associated with the initiative.
The organisers emphasised that Mela Khidmat-E-Gujjar Bakerwal was more than a public gathering, describing it as an important platform for connecting people at the grassroots level with government welfare programmes and ensuring that the benefits of various schemes reach eligible beneficiaries.
The participation of hundreds of people reflected strong community interest in welfare initiatives, awareness programmes and opportunities for social and economic development.
The event also highlighted the importance of coordination between the Indian Army, civil administration and local communities in addressing public concerns and promoting inclusive development.(JKNS)