Modalities finalised for formulation of new Cooperative societies for Tribals: Yasha Mudgal

Hints at MoU signing between Cooperative, Tribal Affairs Department soon

JAMMU, January 19: Commissioner Secretary, Cooperatives Department, Yasha Mudgal and Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary today chaired a joint meeting to discuss the modalities for formulation of new cooperative societies for welfare of Tribal Communities.

A formal presentation was made in the meeting by the Tribal Affairs Department highlighting its major schemes and funding pattern. It was informed that the department is implementing Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana for boosting the livelihood avenues for tribal population.

The meeting was informed that Cooperative Societies shall be involved for value addition of products identified under the scheme. It was decided that the cooperatives societies already existing in the areas having sizeable tribal population shall be targeted in the first phase for establishment of 100 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras which shall select the items based on market linkages and simultaneously more such societies shall be registered on fast track basis.

Commissioner Secretary stressed upon the officers and officials of the department to work with full zeal for optimum utilisation of the opportunities of working in convergence with the Tribal Affairs Department.

Nodal officer, Tribal Research Institute, J&K, Dr Abdul Khabir, presented basic facts of the areas where convergence between the two departments is possible.

It was also decided that the two departments shall enter into a formal MoU outlining the road map for a synergistic implementation of the decisions taken .

It was informed that the Tribal Affairs Department is working on another pioneer project with Central Wool Development Board where cooperative societies shall be given better leverage for working on marketing and promotion of wool and other products. Further, it was also decided that artisans shall be identified through cooperative department who shall be empanelled with TRIFED.

Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mohammed Akbar Wani, Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Mohammad Harun, Director Tribal Affairs, Musheer Ahmed Mirza, Joint Director Planning, Deputy Registrars and other officers and officials of both the departments attended the meeting.