Himachal nomadic Gujjars to be settled

Shimla : The Himachal government is committed to settling down nomadic gujjars all over the hill state .

The state’s revenue minister told the state assembly here Thursday that there were over 500 nomadic gujjar families currently living in forests and pastures across the state .

“A policy for permanently rehabilitating gujjars already exists since 2006 ,” the minister said .

To be eligible these nomads cannot go outside the state for more than four months in a year .

Also they cannot own property outside the state . Besides they must hold grazing permits for their cattle .

The issue for settling gujjars was raised by BJP MLA from Nahan Rajiv Bindal about helping settle gujjar families in Sirmaur area .