In the first-ever District Development Council  elections in Jammu and Kashmir, 38 from the Gujjar  community have been elected to the Council comprises of total 280 members from 20 Districts- revealed  a survey conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation –a community supported organization of Gujjar community, on DDC election. Of these, the Jammu province  has the biggest chunk of 26 members from Gujjars-Bakerwal community won the election, while 15 of them are tribal women from both the regions, the survey reads. They were candidates of different parties but a large number  independents from Gujjar community won election, it reads .

"Highest number of educated tribal Youth of Gujjar community have been elected  in eight phased polls, the results of which were announced yesterday and we compliment all of them", noted tribal researcher Dr. Javaid Rahi, stated while releasing précis survey on election.

He said , the implementation of ‘Political Reservation’ in Jammu and Kashmir last year has made it possible that a highest number of people from STs (Gujjars-Bakarwals)  communities are going to be the part of development through these governing bodies at rural level. He  added that in this election they have made a massive participation in democratic process".

As per survey among them 82% are Youth and first timer and 37% of them are tribal women of hilly and difficult areas.In Poonch District 9 Gujjars –(STs)  out of total 14 are got elected which is  a  highest number in all the 20 Districts , the survey said.

Rahi also said that Gujjars in J&K form the third largest population after Kashmiris and Dogras and they are playing a laudable role in democratic process since 1947.

The victory of their new 38 leaders who were elected as members of DDC in the elections, He   said. Around 28 have lost elections with narrow margins.