जम्मू : RPA Seeks LG’s Intervention over continued use of Abolished ‘Pahari Speaking People’ Term

JAMMU, NEWS UDAAN

Rashtriya Pahari Aandolan (RPA) has submitted a formal representation to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, seeking intervention against the continued official use of the abolished term “Pahari Speaking People” by the J&K Pahari Advisory Board despite clear statutory and constitutional changes.

RPA stated that the legal position on the matter stands conclusively settled.

The Government of Jammu & Kashmir through S.O. 537 dated 19 October 2022, amended the J&K Reservation Rules, 2005 replacing the term “Pahari Speaking People” with “Pahari Ethnic Group.” This was followed by the Constitution (Jammu & Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Act, 2023 through which Parliament constitutionally recognized the Pahari Ethnic Group as a Scheduled Tribe.

Subsequently, S.O. 176 dated 15 March 2024 omitted the residual reference to the earlier term, resulting in its complete statutory deletion.

Despite these developments, RPA has expressed concern over the continued use of the abolished nomenclature in official publications, calendars, banners, and event-related material issued by the Pahari Advisory Board under the Department of Social Welfare.

Commenting on the issue, Dr. Suresh Kumar, President, Rashtriya Pahari Aandolan said that the continued use of an abolished nomenclature after constitutional and Gazette amendments is legally untenable.

Once Parliament and the Government have taken a final decision, administrative authorities are bound to implement it in letter and spirit.

RPA has also referred to reports published in leading regional newspapers including The Daily Excelsior and The State Times, as well as discussions and coverage on social media platforms and digital news pages, which have highlighted the continued use of the abolished nomenclature.

RPA has further pointed to recent public events by the Board where the out-dated term was displayed, calling it a matter of administrative concern.

According to RPA, the issue goes beyond terminology and directly relates to the constitutional identity and legal recognition of a Scheduled Tribe and any deviation from notified law undermines administrative discipline and public confidence in governance.

In its submission to the Lieutenant Governor, RPA has sought immediate withdrawal of publications using the abolished term, clear directions for uniform use of “Pahari Ethnic Group” in all official communications, fixing of responsibility for the lapse, and strict, time-bound compliance with Gazette notifications and constitutional provisions.

The representation of RPA concluded by expressing confidence in the constitutional office of the Lieutenant Governor and stated that it hopes the matter will be taken cognizance of at the highest level to ensure adherence to law and administrative propriety.

Report....Anil Bhardwaj