Minister for CA&PD and Tribal Affairs, Ch. Zulfkar Ali today said that efforts are afoot to develop several tribal hamlets as model villages enabling this under-privileged class live dignified life.The move is aimed at accruing benefits of economic development to this integral part of the society to bring them at par with their brethren, the Minister maintained. “The perpetuation of socio-economic backwardness among tribals inspite of efforts made so far, presents a formidable challenge demanding effective and result-oriented steps in every developmental sector”, Minister said while addressing a gathering during his tour to Bakerwal Chak Mazumoh to take first hand appraisal of basic amenities in the village.
Elaborating on salient features of the Model Village scheme, the Minister said that focus will be laid on backward villages for creating all basic amenities adding that Tribal Affairs Ministry has been created with the aim to improve socio-economic condition of tribal population.Referring to various initiatives aimed at empowerment of tribals, the Minister said that the government has taken several reformative steps to take care of the needs and requirements of the community. He added that efforts are being made to strengthen administrative agencies at district level to enable effective implementation of welfare and development programmes.
He said necessary skill development training would be provided to tribal youth to enable them generate income for themselves. The Minister said that matter regarding settlement of nomads has already been taken up with the concerned authorities for early redressal. He said that tribal department has urged upon the forest authorities to tackle this matter sympathetically. In this regard, Tribal Ministry has convened number of meetings with concerned for formulation of comprehensive settlement plan for tribals and the same is being pursued vigorously for early redressal, he added. Later, a deputation of kerosene oil dealers called on the Minister and presented their memorandum of demands which included enhancement in kerosene oil quota, increase in commission being paid to them, reduction in license fee etc.