Minister for CA&PD and Tribal Affairs Ch Zulfkar Ali today said that Gujjar and Bakerwal (G&B) Hostel Sangathan would be established shortly in the state for effective monitoring and functioning of these G&B hostels .“ A centralised controlling authority exclusively meant for taking care of education ,related aspects of tribals students is vital to ensure the overall emancipation of this marginalized section of society ” ,the Minister added.The Minister said this while addressing a meeting convened here to discuss the measures needed to be taken for upgradation of Gujjar and Bakerwal hostels in the state .He said Union Tribal Ministry would be urged upon to take up the matter with Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry for providing requisite assistance in this regard. He said this would go a long way in benefitting the hostel inmates, so that they get the maximum benefit out of various initiatives being undertaken for their betterment.
Stressing the need to make these institutions a hub of knowledge, the minister emphasised on all the concerned to put in dedicated efforts to make these institutions a vibrant unit. He said that these facilities would be open for students of all communities to infuse a sense of equality among the underprivileged section of the society.The M inister constituted a committee headed by Secretary Social Welfare Department with Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Director Tribal Affairs Department, Principal Sainik School, Principal Jawahar Navodaya Vidhayala (JNV), Assistant Commissioner Kendra Vidhyalaya (KV) as members to identify deficiencies in the functioning of all Gujjar and Bakerwal hostels in the state for further recommendations to the concerned quarter within a period of 15 days.
Referring to various innovative measures being initiated to streamline the working of these hostels,the minister said that an effective mechanism is being worked out to bring these institutions at par with other premier institutions like Sainik school, JNV and KV. These efforts will immensely help the students of unattended areas, which were lacking such facilities so far, get standard education enabling them to face the challenges of globalized era, the minister added. Secretary Social Welfare ,Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Principal Sainik School, Principal JNV, Assistant Commissioner Kendariya Vidyalaya, besides other officers of the Tribal Affairs Department attended the meeting.