Pahari Speaking People (PSP) of J&K are a socio-cultural and linguistic minority in the State known for their patriotism and valour through times immemorial. They are scattered throughout the State with their population dense in areas of Poonch , Rajouri, Kupwara and  Baramulla Districts. Apart from their peculiar secular cultural ethos and rites, these people are speaking a distinct language (Pahari or Potohari) as their mother tongue. Recognizing need to preserve their cultural/linguistic characteristics and to take steps for their socio-economic up-liftment, government has already recommended to Government of India that they should be declared as a Scheduled Tribe. The case is pending with Government of India.

Gensis of State Advisory Board for Development of PSP

Pahari Speaking People  are amongst most under privileged linguistic minority caught in a web of backwardness and whatever   recorded progress was taking place earlier   which was already fragile due to   previous tribal attacks in these areas  got stunted and retarded during the last 19 years of militancy due to inhabitation in  contiguity of borders of Line of Actual Control which forced  State Government to constitute the Advisory Board for Pahari Speaking People to counter their economic depression, non reservation status, distinct inhabitation character   living in   hilly and inaccessible   areas   which   isolate them from rest of the population in the country.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of constituting the Advisory Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People is to have a broad based forum where there is adequate representation of Pahari Speaking People of different areas to ensure socio-economic development with emphasis on educational up-liftment,  cultural and linguistic development.The Board plays advisory role for overall policy, planning and in coordination of programmes for the development of Pahari Speaking People.

CONISTITUTION &COMPOSITION OF ADVISORY BOARD FOR PSP

Government of Jammu and Kashmir constituted State Advisory Board for the development of Pahari Speaking People in the year 1989 in light of  Cabinet decision No:227 dated 20-10-1989 read with   Govt.Order NO:1439-GAD of 1989 dated 26-10-1989 with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of the State as Chairman of the Board and the Vice-Chairman having MOS status is being nominated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister from amongst the members of the pahari community. The first politically elected Board was established in the year 1997 vide Govt.Order NO;444-GAD of 1997 dated 27-03-1997.The board also consists of  non-offical members which had the total  present strength of 28 members nominated by the Government representing the respective Pahari areas of different districts of the State and at present the board had been dissolved. A full fledged office of the Hon’ble Vice-Chairman of the Board has been established who is assisted by Secretary of KAS cadre  and related staff to carry out day to day work. The Advisory Board holds periodic annual review meetings chaired by Chairman of the Board ( Hon’ble Chief Minister)  with the non-official and official members of the Board.

TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE BOARD

>>	To identify specific schemes which would benefit pahari-speaking community under various developmental sectors, their prioritization and earmarking of funds.
>>	Finalizing Annual Plan and recommending allocations/earmarking of funds including implementation of additional developmental schemes where necessary along-with allocation of funds.
>>	Review the process of implementation, monitoring of developmental schemes and advise measures which would serve the interests of Pahari community at large.
>>	More emphasis on educational up-liftment by way of establishing pahari boys/girls hostels, grant of scholarships etc.
>>	Formulation of Pahari Sub-Plan on the pattern of Tribal Sub Plan for filling up of critical infrastructural gaps including income generation activities by respective District Development Commissioners in consultation with State/District Pahari Advisory Board members.
At present following schemes are being implemented by the board:
>>	Grant of scholarship ( Post/Pre-matric ) to school going pahari speaking students.
>>	Management of Hostels.
>>	Construction of new hostels for Pahari students.
>>	Implementation of Pahari Sub-Plan on the pattern of Tribal Sub Plan.
>>	Promotion of Pahari Language, Literature and Culture.