SRINAGAR: Union Joint Secretary Tribal Affairs, M R Tshering today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of various developmental works and schemes being run by the Tribal Affairs Department, Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, the Union Joint Secretary directed that the Department should hold more awareness programmes so that the tribal community can take full benefit of various welfare schemes meant for their socio-economic uplift.
She also called for the conduct of vocational training and skill development programmes for womenfolk. The Union Joint Secretary also took stock of progress on Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for Scheduled Tribe students and construction of Gujar/Bakrwaal hostels. During the meeting, Secretary Abdul Majid Bhat informed the Union Secretary that the J&K state has a tribal population of 1,49,3299 souls comprising 11.9 per cent of the total population based on 12 tribes as per the census of 2011.
He informed the meeting about the progress on various sanctioned model residential schools and hostels. He further said that the Department is eager to provide all the rural infrastructure facilities in the tribal areas. Bhat also highlighted progress in the implementation of various schemes and works like Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Scheme, Pre-Matric and Post Matric Scholarship to ST students, Tribal Research Institute (TRI), G&B/ST hostels which are being implemented for the upliftment of tribal populace.
On the occasion, the Union Joint Secretary directed the concerned officials to work with added zeal and zest so that various schemes and projects for ST development are effectively implemented on the ground within the stipulated time. The meeting was attended by Director Tribal Affairs, Mushtaq Ahmed, Secretary Gujjar and Bakerwal (G&B) Board Mukhtar Ahmad and other officials of the Department.