Minister of CA&PD and Tribal Affairs, Choudhary Zulfkar Ali today laid foundation of Tribal Smart Villages at Hubbi and Targain in district Rajouri.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said through the Tribal Smart Villages initiative, the Government would ensure integrated development of neglected tribal hamlets by equipping them with requisite basic amenities. “The amenities like healthcare, power supply, potable water, road network, drainage and sanitation facilities would be developed in these villages through convergence of resources so that the people feel the change,” he said and added that the initiative is aimed at ensuring inclusive development of every section of the society in the State.Zulfkar said the coalition government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed wants all areas of the State to have equal opportunities in progress and development.
Expressing dismay over the poor development profile of some remote areas in district Rajouri, the Minister said due to misgovernance and lopsided policies of the previous regime, most of the centrally sponsored tribal welfare schemes programmes could not be implemented effectively resulting in huge wastage of resources.He urged the people to become active stakeholders in development and draw maximum benefit out of the Government’s pioneering welfare schemes.“Collective efforts are needed to pull the state out of the morass and march forward on the path of peace, progress and prosperity,” he maintained.The Minister said effective Panchayats are an essential component in rural emancipation and the government is initiating several measures to further empower these vital institutions of grassroots empowerment.The Minister also announced opening of government ration depot at Targain.Earlier, the Minister also conducted surprise check of CA&PD godown at district headquarter Rajouri to see whether the IP cameras are installed and working properly there.Minister was accompanied by Director CA&PD, Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Director Tribal Affairs Department, DDC Rajouri, SSP Rajouri besides all sectoral officers.