A spokesperson of State Government said here today that the government had been providing adequate funds for socio-economic development of Gaddi community in the State. The Government has ensured funds for development from tribal budget as well as general budget for speedier development in the areas of Gaddi population so that benefits of development reached to maximum people of this community.He said that the government has expanded the Gaddi Kalyan Board raising its membership from 33 to 74 so that representation could be ensured to every region. It will ensure representation to all areas as well as timely completion of developmental works in their areas. It is pertinent to note that in the previous government the membership of Board was limited to 28 to 33 members whereas Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh morethan doubled it to give maximum representation to Gaddi community.The State Government during last four years has spent Rs.156.42 crore on various sectors of development for this community in the State.
Rs. 43.89 crore have been provided for developmental works for current financial year. In order to promote sheep and goat rearing, the government has increased wool procurement rate to 20 percent so that people engaged in this profession got remunerative prices for their produce. In addition to this, market development assistance of 15 percent as handling charges is also being given to Wool Federation.The State Government has constructed Tribal Bhawans at Chamba, Sihunta and Dari in Dharamshala to provide suitable accommodation to people of this community during transit to these parts of the State. The accommodation is being provided to them on nominal charges. The State Government will soon construct Tribal Bhawan at Nurpur with a cost of Rs. three crore. Rs. 20 lakh have already been released to PWD with provision of Rs. 1.50 crore this year for this purpose.To provide suitable employment to unemployed youth of this community, the State Government has been providing training in the field of handcrafts and handloom by spending Rs. 61 lakh this year. Tools and equipments required for installing handlooms are being provided to youth after the training so that they could start self employment works and bring prosperity to their family and community as a whole.