As part of the government efforts to provide better educational facilities to the tribal population, the Minister for Tribal Affairs, Food , Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali laid foundation of Gujjar Bakerwal Girl Hostel and Residential School here today.In his address, the Minister said that the new infrastructure will be created by keeping in mind the latest requirements including spacious classrooms, laboratories, computer lab and playground to benefit of inmates who are going to avail the facility.Emphasizing on the need for women empowerment in all sections of the society, the Minister said that girl students especially belonging to tribal community need focused attention to get equal opportunities in academics as well as in sports and other co-curricular activities. He further said that the present dispensation is creating conducive environment to nurture the talent of female tribal students by providing them free accommodation, food, books and uniform at such Hostels. He also congratulated the District Administration and the community members for getting Girls Hostel which will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 Crore. The hostel facility would be available for tribal female students of class 7 to 12th, he added. Underlining the importance of residential schools in imparting quality education, Ch Zulfkar said that government would run these instittions on the pattern of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) to enable the students to excel in academics, sports and other co-curricular activities.
The Minister also informed that this year 6 hostels will be converted into residential schools to provide better facilities to tribal students. He also stated that not only Gujjar Bakerwal but people belonging to Gaddi -Sippi community will also get benefit from the upcoming Hostel as well as residential schools. He further added that these endeavors of the present dispensation will help in improving the socio-economic profile of the tribal communities.He directed DC Kathua to ensure proper utilization of the funds especially earmarked for these projects and also stressed on maintaining the quality and adhering to set timeline.He also asked Director, Tribal affairs to keep Rs 30 Lakh at the disposal of DC Kathua for repair work of the existing building of Gujjar Bakerwal Boys Hostel.Earlier, the Minister also attended Annual Day function organized by JK Public School, Kathua as the chief guest. Others present on the occasion included Commissioner Secretary Tribal Affairs & Disaster Management, Shafiq Raina, Director Tribal Affairs, Mohammad Rafi Poswal, Director FCS & CA, R A Inqallabi, Secretary Gukkar Bakerwal Advisory Board, Mukhtar Chowdhary, DC Kathua, Rohit Khajuria, SSP Kathua, Suleman Chowdhary, Joint Controller Legal Metrology, V S Sambyal, AD FCS&CA Kathua, Ajay Salan, Astt. Controller LMD besides other district officers.