16/01/2026
Pahari and Other ST Employees Forum Meets Chief Secretary Jammu and Kashmir, Raises Issues of ST-2 Implementation, Service Rights, Pahari Language, and Employee Welfare
Jammu, 16 January. A high level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Pahari and Other ST Employees Forum, led by its President *Khalid Mehmood Khan, met the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir* in Civil Secretariat Jammu and submitted a detailed representation highlighting key service, educational, and welfare related issues of employees belonging to the Pahari Ethnic Tribe.
The delegation discussed the inclusion of the Pahari Ethnic Tribe under the Scheduled Tribe category as ST-2 and stressed the need for its effective implementation across all departments. The Forum demanded immediate updation of ST-2 status in service records through HRMS and fixation of separate seniority for ST-2 employees to ensure fair promotions and service related benefits.
The delegation also raised the demand for introduction of Pahari language in the school curriculum. They stated that the Pahari community represents a significant linguistic group in Jammu and Kashmir. They urged implementation of existing government orders and NEP 2020 provisions. They requested JKBOSE and universities to initiate publication of textbooks in Pahari language.
The issue of revision of Border Area Risk Allowance was also raised. The Forum demanded revision of the allowance as per the existing Pay Commission to provide relief to employees serving in difficult border areas.
The Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that all issues raised will be examined in consultation with the concerned departments. He assured appropriate action as per rules and policy.
The Forum expressed gratitude to the Chief Secretary for his positive approach and hoped for timely decisions to safeguard the rights and interests of the Pahari ST community.
The delegation included Mohammad Irfan Mughal Vice President, Faisal Mehmood Khokhar General Secretary, Javed Iqbal Mir District President Baramulla, Syed Muneer Spokesperson, Waheed Ahmad Khan Organiser, Junaid Khan District President Anantnag, Syed Mumtaz Hussain General Secretary Anantnag, Shohaib Zia Khan Poonch, Basharat Ahmad Jagwal, Talat Ahmad Mir, and Syed Akhtar Hussain Social Activist.
Publicity Wing
J&K Pahari & Other ST Employees Forum
