Minister for Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs & Tribal Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today said that government is working on the agenda of inclusive development of the backward region with special focus on development of tribal and others marginalized sections of the society.The Minister was speaking after laying foundation stone of Tribal Model Cluster Village at Gursai and Model Residential School, EKLAVYA at Behara in Mendhar.MLA Javid Ahmed Rana, District Development Commissioner Poonch Tariq Ahmed Zargar, Director FCS&CA R A Inqlabi, Director Tribal Affairs Rafi, SSP Poonch Rajiv Panday and Controller Legal Metrology, R K Katoch were present on the ocaasion.Zulfkar said that present government is very keen to bring backward region of the state under development model and has taken many initiatives in this regard to provide enhanced infrastructural facilities in these areas so that inhabitants could get basic facilities to lead a dignified and quality life.While highlighting the benefits under cluster model village, the Minister said that under this project, the people would be benefitting with better healthcare facilities, surface connectivity, quality education and many other basic amenities.
Zulfkar said that initiative of developing cluster model village in the remote and backward areas with an investment of Rs 10 crore under different components aimed at bridging infrastructure gap in tribal remote areas with focus on education, health care and creating sustainable employment avenues. He said that tribal youth under this project would be provided with quality education, skill development and specialised training for their economic sustenanceMLA, Javid Ahmed Rana also spoke on the occasion and thanked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali for immediate sanctioning of such prestigious projects for the welfare of tribal community of this hilly border district.On the occasion, DDC gave brief resume of development activities to be carried out under the projects. It was informed that Rs 10 crore would be invested on creating various types of economic infrastructure in eight panchayats connecting three villages Gursai, Parat and Kalaban for bridging development gaps.He further informed that infrastructure under education sector including creation of additional class rooms, examination hall and sub primary health centers under health sector would definitely give an edge and improvement in basic facilities. He added that development of tourism sector, road connectivity drinking water, agriculture, horticulture, power sector and skill development would also create ample source of economic activities for local populace.It was informed that Rs 20.36 crore would be invested for building Eklavya Model Residential School at Beihraa Mendhar.Later, the Minister also held a public meet at Mendhar to review the overall development scenario where public in large apprised the Minister about various development deficits and sought Minister’s attention for proper utilization of funds under different schemes.Zulfkar directed the district administration for resolving people’s issues on priority and ensure prompt delivery of services to people.