The Government has decided to outsource all the Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostels in the State to provide better facilities to the tribal students putting up in these boarding houses.This was announced by the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) and Tribal Affairs, Choudhary Zulfkar Ali while chairing a meeting of the officials of the Tribal Affairs Department here today.The Minister announced constitution of a committee headed by Administrative Secretary Tribal Affairs Department to prepare a concept note for outsourcing the Tribal Hostels including cooking, uniform, stationary, bedding and house-keeping. He also sought a detailed proposal regarding the proper maintenance of these hostels.Expressing dismay over the dilapidated condition of Gujjar and Bakerwal hostels, the Minister called for a detailed inquiry into the utilization of funds, released during the past three years, for maintenance of these facilities.
He asked the officers to formulate a comprehensive transfer policy for the wardens of these hostels who are serving at one place for more than five years.Stressing the need for timely disbursement of scholarships among tribal students, the Minister directed the Director Tribal Affairs Department to take up the matter with Jammu and Kashmir Bank authorities to expedite the sanctioning of bursaries so that the beneficiaries get their due in time.Zulfkar also called for conducting a special survey of Tribal population in the state covering all aspects including their socio-economic status. He said district-wise committees headed by Concerned Deputy Commissioners would be entrusted with the job of this special survey.Minister said the state government is committed to uplift the socio-economic condition of the tribal population and education is the primary sector which guarantees overall development of the marginalized sections of the society.The meeting was attended by Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Secretary Gujjar & Bakerwal Advisory Board, Financial Advisor Tribal Affairs department and other officers of the department.