Stressing on providing skill development avenues to the tribal youth to enhance their employability, Minister for CA&PD and Tribal Affairs Ch Zulfkar Ali today said that government contemplates setting up of more skill development institutes under the Tribal Sub for offering skill based trainings.The Minister said this during a meeting held to finalize allocation of funds under different flagship programmes tailored for development of Tribals.Vice Chairman J&K Gujjar and Bakerwals Advisory Board Ch Zaffar Ali was also present in the meeting.“This initiative will go a long way in offering skill based training courses and ensuring that the trained youth get better employment opportunities ” Minister added while earmarking funds to the tune of Rs 2.25crores under the Tribal Sub Plan for Skill Development of Tribals .
Minister directed the concerned District Development Commissioners to ensure judicious utilization of funds under all Central and State sponsored schemes including Tribal sub plan envisaging inclusive development of Tribals. He also sought timely utilization certificates from the HODs in this regard.While discussing effective implementation of Van Bandu Kalyan Yojana (VBKY) the minister said that under the scheme financial assistance will be provided to 200 candidates for training in Paramedical courses besides Rs one crore will be provided to Health department for upgrading and strengthening health facilities in tribal areas.
“ An amount of Rs 50 lakh for enhancing health services, RS 25lakh for organizing health camps besides 25 lakh for purchasing Critical Care Ambulances (CCA) for unattended tribal areas have been earmarked under VBKY in the first phase, informed the Minister .Secretary Social Welfare Department, Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, District Development Commissioners of Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri, Kathua, Samba and Kishtwar, Director Tribal Affairs Department besides ADDCs of various districts and senior officer of the department attended the meeting.