Emphasizing need-based funding and identification of thrust areas for better utilisation of resources, Minister for CA&PD and Tribal Affairs, Ch Zulfkar Ali today called for dovetailing available resources in a synergetic manner to ensure comprehensive welfare and development of Tribals. Chairing a meeting convened to finalize the Tribal Sub Plan for the current fiscal, the Minister called for creation of tangible assets to bridge the critical gaps in infrastructure in tribal areas. He also called for identifying and addressing the deficiencies hindering uplift of Tribals.“Keeping in view the changing scenario of development, it becomes necessary that comparative vulnerability of the community is addressed in a focused and integrated manner,” the Minister asserted.
It was decided in the meeting that out of Rs 18 crore allocation under article 275 (1), Rs 6.25 cr have been earmarked for strengthening education sector, while the rest has been earmarked for strengthening Rural Development, PDD and PHE sectors to take care of the developmental requirements of the Tribal areas.Similarly under Tribal-Sub Plan (TSP), it was decided that out of Rs 20 cr allocation, priority is to be given to development of Model Tribal villages, electrification of un-electrified Tribal hamlets, PHE sector, irrigation activities, Rural development besides a provision is to be kept for awareness campaign and promotion of cultural activities among the Tribals.Secretary, CA&PD, Secretary, Tribals, MD SC/ST Development Corporation and other senior officers were present in the meeting. Later, the Minister also chaired another follow up meeting of CA&PD to review the action taken report on earlier decisions. He urged officers to ensure availability of essential commodities including ration, K-Oil etc to the consumers especially during this holy month. He also called for intensifying market checking to prevent erring shopkeepers from cheating consumers.