Now, monthly pensions for Van Gujjars in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand chief minister Vijay Bahuguna on Monday announced a slew of sops for Van Gujjars like monthly pensions, medical facilities at par with government servants, and scholarships to their children studying in government and aided schools.
The move is a part of a measure initiated by state government to bring Van Gujjars into the mainstream and rehabilitate those rendered homeless after being driven out their homes in different forest sanctuaries like Rajaji National Park and other forest areas.
More than 183 Van Gujjar families were forced out from their homes under Corbett National Park and Rajaji after these areas were brought under ecologically-sensitive zones on a Supreme Court directive.
In Kalagarh forest area of Corbett, Bahuguna said that as government was committed to resettle all displaced Gujjar families living in the worst conditions, it will finalize the modalities of concessions to be paid to them soon.
“This is my promise to you and I will keep it at any cost”, Bahuguna said.
He said his government has decided to treat Van Gujjars like other residents of Uttarakhand so the question of neglecting them does not arise.