Empowerment of ST, SC forms core of NC policy: Omar

Srinagar: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed commitment of his party to the empowerment of down trodden segments including Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste in Jammu and Kashmir, saying though much has been done in this regard yet more is still needed to be done.
“National Conference has championed the cause of weaker sections right from its inception, which is vehemently reflected in Land Reforms Act, which benefitted the marginalized segments, and subsequent initiatives to empower the SC and ST population”, he said, adding that the party will not compromise with the interests of these sections of the society. He said the revolutionary measure of land to tiller introduced by visionary Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah made the weaker sections and peasantry masters of their holdings overnight. He recalled the initiatives taken by National Conference from time to time about welfare of the reserved categories, saying these have transformed quality of their life.
Omar Abdullah said National Conference has taken a lead role in getting Scheduled Tribe status for various sections which needed special dispensation to prosper and progress. The provision of reservation has hugely benefitted the SC and ST categories in the State and this is necessary as well keeping in view their socio-economic conditions, he said while expressing satisfaction over the youth of these segments of the society making mark in the All India services and other related fields.
“We will continue to protect the rights of our Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories and nobody should nurture any misgiving about it”, Omar Abdullah said adding that empowerment and uplfitment of these sections of population forms core of the National Conference policy.