Commissioner-cum-Principal Secretary (Tribal Development) Onkar Sharma, today held a review meeting of the departmental activities of Tribal Development Department and setting up of three New Eklayva Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for scheduled tribe (ST) students in tribal areas of Lahaul, Pangi and Bharmour.He said that there was only one EMRs school functional in Nichar District Kinnaur since 2005. By keeping the good performance of ST students studying in District Kinnaur Rs. 56 crore has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India for these three New Eklayva Model Residential Schools (EMRS). He said that the first installment for construction of these new schools amounting to Rs. 11.36 Crore has been received.He said that as per Guidelines of the Ministry, State Level Society is being registered for management of these schools and other formalities are also being completed to make these schools functional from this year. He said that all efforts are being ensured to make these schools as “Role Model”. The entrance exam for admission in class 6th for all Eklayva Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) is scheduled for 16th June, 2019.He said that 9% of total State Plan Outlay of Rs. 7100 Crore i.e. Rs. 639 Crore has been earmarked to Tribal Sub Plan for current financial year 2019-20 and these funds have been allocated to implementing departments for tribal areas to ensure achievements as per norms fixed by the Government.
He said that that under Article 275(1) of Constitution Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ Government of India has approved the allocation of Rs. 19 crore and Rs. 24 crore respectively for 2019-20. He said that efforts will be made during the year to get additional funds as well.He said that the proposal under Border Area Development Program of Rs. 26 crore (Central Share) will be submitted to Ministry of Home Affairs’ Government of India after the approval of Committee constituted under chairmanship of Chief Secretary.He said that Regarding Forest Rights Act, 2006, Deputy Commissioners have been asked to expedite the process of recognition and vesting of forest rights as per provisions of Act/Rules. For facilitating the implementation of the Act, trainings for stakeholders including officers of various departments are being proposed in association with UNDP from June onwards at Divisional Headquarters.He further said that recently a Tribal Research Institute has been set up within the department. To provide input for development of Scheduled tribes Tribal Areas funds have already been received for different research activities from the Ministry. Efforts are being made to select suitable land for setting up this institute with all facilities.