JAMMU, Sept 21: A one-day consultative workshop on “Constitutional Reforms and Marginalized Groups: A Socio-Legal Analysis in Reorganized Jammu and Kashmir” was organized today under the aegis of an ICSSR-sponsored research project in collaboration with the Department of Law, University of Jammu.
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The workshop featured three technical sessions focusing on displaced communities, tribal groups, gender perspectives, and policy analysis.
The inaugural session, chaired by Prof Arvind Jasrotia, highlighted the study’s objectives—examining socio-economic impacts, human rights concerns, and suggesting inclusive policy measures. Prof Manju Jamwal, Head, Department of Law, delivered special remarks on the theme.
Speaking for PoJK displaced families, Dr Deepak Kapoor, President of PoJK Visthapit Samiti, and Romi Sharma, Chairperson of Parivartan NGO, underlined urgent rehabilitation needs through land rights, housing, education, and political representation.
Representatives of West Pakistan Refugees, Labha Ram Gandhi and Jagdish Singh Manhas, while acknowledging recognition after 2019, sought deeper integration through education, employment, livelihood opportunities, and socio-economic empowerment.
On Kashmiri migrants, retired District & Sessions Judge B L Saraf stressed judicial sensitivity and special legislation, while Dr Mahesh Kaul emphasized cultural preservation and resettlement policies to address identity concerns. Prof Vishav Raksha, HoD Sociology, and Dr Hema Gandotra highlighted multiple vulnerabilities faced by displaced women, especially from the Valmiki community.
The tribal session spotlighted Gujjar-Bakarwal, Pahari and Paddari groups. Dr Javaid Rahi noted that the post-reorganization extension of the Forest Rights Act, SC/ST Atrocities (Prevention) Act, and political reservation has benefited tribal communities. Vikrant Sharma, State Coordinator of Pahari Tribe ST Forum, termed the recognition of the Pahari community as a Scheduled Tribe a “historic milestone.”
In the expert panel, retired IAS officer K B Jandial observed that deeper emotional integration, reduced militancy, and growing investments have generated over 2.55 lakh jobs. Former HoD Education Prof Renu Nanda stressed the social responsibility of institutions in building inclusive reforms. Dr Ganesh Malhotra linked strategic and political dynamics in South Asia to local governance in J&K.
Legal reforms were also discussed by Advocate Kiran Thakur, while social activist Dr Swati Sharma underlined the importance of safeguarding women’s rights in the evolving socio-legal framework.
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