Union Secretary Tribal Affairs tours Shopian, interacts with tribal population

Assesses impact of govt initiatives on community’s development, welfare

SHOPIAN, October 14:  Union Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Anil Kumar Jha, today conducted an extensive tour of Shopian villages to assess impact of tribal development and welfare schemes of the government on the community.

Union Secretary, accompanied by Union Joint Secretary, Dr. Navaljeet Kapoor alongwith other officers of tribal affairs department and district administration visited Heerpora, Dubjan and Peer Ki Gali.

Union Secretary interacted with tribal migratory population there and listened to their issues and suggestions for more holistic tribal welfare. He sought feedback on ground impact of schemes and programmes of the Ministry towards the goal of inclusive development of tribal  population.

Scores of tribal pastoralists apprised the Secretary of their issues and concerns seeking an early redressal to the same.

At Heerpora, Union Secretary met students, admitted in seasonal school for tribals, and enquired about the status of education they are being provided there. The students  put forth various demands concerning further streamlining of education facilities in these schools.

At Dubjan, Anil Kumar interacted with tribal population and also visited Veterinary Mobile Camp established  for livestocks.

At other places en route, tribal representatives projected various development issues concerning welfare of the tribal population. Their issues inter alia included establishment of Government Degree College at Keller and establishment of Girls hostel.

Winding up his tour of higher reaches of Peer Panjal, Union Secretary visited Per Ki Gali, a mountain pass where he took stock of under construction transit accommodation for Tribal Pastoralist who transhumance between Kashmir and Jammu Pastures during the winter and summer seasons.

He was informed that the Transit Accommodation being constructed for the stay of migratory Pastoralists shall come up with an approved cost of Rs 1.21 crore for almost 200 people consisting of 2 dormitory units.

Anil Kumar visited Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel, Shopian, where he inspected the boarding and lodging facilities being extended there by the Tribal Affairs Department. He inspected the Smart Class room, library there  and took stock of functioning of the hostel.

Union Secretary also visited Government High School, Shirmal, where he interacted with the tribal students.

On the occasion, students presented various artistic performances and exhibited their talents.

Union Secretary, while interacting with the students at the centre, stressed upon them to study with passion, set goals for career development, and take part in sports activities.

He asked them for availing 100 percent benefit of scholarship schemes of the government.

Union Secretary said the department is making all efforts to ensure socio economic development of tribal population.

Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb, Director Tribal Affairs, J&K, Musheer Ahmad, Secretary, Advisory Board for Development of Gujjars and Bakerwals, Mukhtar Ahmad Choudhary and other district officers accompanied the visiting officers.