Exploring the Educational Marginality: A Study of Socio Educational Status of Pahari Ethnicity a Marginal Ethnic Group in Jammu and Kashmir.

Abstract

The Pahari Ethnicity of Jammu and Kashmir is mostly, residing in the hilly terrain regions of the Jammu and Kashmir and some other parts of the country too. The majority its population in the Rajouri and Poonch Districts of Jammu division and Baramulla and Kupwara in Kashmir division, and the areas that are now under the Control of Pakistan (POJK). Similar to other state backward communities like SCs, STs and OBCs, Pahari Ethnicity of Jammu and Kashmir also faces socio- economic and educational Marginalization and laying at the bottom of the developmental ladder. They have also been advocating for their right to be identified. They are unable to compete with the higher strata of the Society due to the lack of adequate facilities in education and healthcare, and their socio educational status is not up to the mark because of their geographical isolation, lack of awareness and border conflicts as well. Furthermore, their children are unable to get the proper benefit from any state or central govt policies, as they are living in the remote mountainous areas where there lacks access to roads and other essential facilities. As a result, they are unable to get the proper education from the institutions which is a basic requirement to access the benefits from any governmental or non-governmental organizations.