Social, Educational And Healthcare Development Among Gujjar And Bakarwal Tribes In Jammu And Kashmir

Abstract

The Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, indigenous pastoralist groups residing in Jammu and Kashmir, India, possess a rich cultural heritage but encounter significant socio-economic hurdles. Despite their historical marginalization, they have maintained their traditional livestock-centric lifestyle while adapting to modern socio-economic shifts. Education, healthcare, and development serve as crucial pillars for their advancement. However, obstacles such as geographical isolation, insufficient infrastructure, and socio-economic constraints impede access to education, resulting in low enrollment and high dropout rates. Similarly, healthcare accessibility is hindered by geographical barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and a scarcity of healthcare professionals, despite the presence of traditional healing practices. Development initiatives aimed at these communities strive to enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure while fostering socio-economic empowerment and livelihood improvement. Government policies, welfare programs, and NGO interventions are pivotal in addressing their socio-economic challenges. In summary, emphasizing education, healthcare, and development is indispensable for the comprehensive empowerment and sustainable progress of the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities in Jammu and Kashmir. Thus, the scholar endeavors to underscore the intricate interplay between educational, healthcare, and socio-economic development amidst the myriad challenges faced by these communities.