Minister for CA&PD and Tribal Affairs, Ch Zulfkar Ali today stressed the need for encouraging skill development among the tribal youth to enable them seek substantial employment in private as well government sectors. He called for introduction of innovative schemes through Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) and Article 275 (1) which provides training to the youth in various sectors like PHE, Electronics, Industries, Tourism etc.The Minister was addressing a joint meeting of chief planning officers, wardens of Gujjar and Bakerwal hostels from various districts convened here today for finalization of tribal sub plan for the next financial year.Detailed deliberations were held on various aspects like funds allocation for priority areas, judicious utilization of funds earmarked for tribal emancipation, besides institutionalizing the instrument for ensuring transparency in developmental activities.
Emphasizing on creation of tangible assets covering major sector like bridges, water supply schemes, PDD schemes preferably in those tribal areas which lack these basic amenities, the Minister said that objective of the plan should be to bridge the gap of development between tribal areas and other areas besides ensuring reasonable share of allocations in various sectors through equitable distribution of resources.Zulfkar asked the concerned planning officers to upgrade the plan in such a way so that it suits to the requirements of tribals, both by way of income generating economic activities which make them self sustained, besides creation of long lasting assets which are dire need of hour.He said the buzz word in the developmental process should be judicial spending of funds so that benefits accrue to the people timely and as per envisaged in the scheme. He also asked the concerned to earmark sufficient funds under the sub plan for the construction of new hostels at Shopian and Ramban besides upgradation and modernization of existing infrastructure in other operational Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostels.The meeting was informed that around Rs 15 crore are proposed for the outlay under Article 275 (1) while as about Rs 22 crore are being proposed under SCA to TSP for the year 2015-16.
Expressing dismay over surrendering the unutilized amount released for Tribal Development Schemes in various districts, the Minister constituted a three member committee headed by Director Tribal Affairs and asked them to conduct a thorough inquiry to ascertain the facts for non utilization of the funds and fix the responsibility. The Minister asked him to submit the report within the shortest possible time.In order to give further fillip to the developmental activities for the welfare of the Tribals, the Minister authorized the concerned Chief Planning Officers as Nodal officers during the intervening time till the department will appoint their own officers in the respective districts. He further asked the CPOs to revise their proposal with focus on latest skill development initiatives like tourist guide, plumber, electrician etc under TSP and furnish all the details in this regard in concerned department within the time of three days. Among others, Secretary CA&PD, Secretary Tribal Affairs, Secretary Gujjar and Bakerwal Board, Joint Director.