Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, the Secretary of Tribal Affairs and CEO of Mission Youth, along with Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal, conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing developmental projects aimed at tribal welfare in a recent meeting held at the district's administrative headquarters. This high-level meeting witnessed the participation of various officials from different departments and agencies.
The meeting aimed to evaluate the progress made on various projects and emphasize the roadmap for implementing new schemes and initiatives in tribal villages. Notable attendees included Mushir Ahmed Mirza, Director of Tribal Affairs, Mukhtar Ahmed, Director of TRI (Tribal Research Institute), Shama un Ahmed, Joint Director of Planning, Dr. Abdul Khabir, Deputy Director, and other officials, such as Addl DC, Superintending Engineer PWD, ExEns of PWD, JPDCL, Ground Water Division, DFO, DSHO, and the CEO, alongside district and sectoral officers.
Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary highlighted the significant measures undertaken by the UT government under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to empower, uplift, and develop the tribal population. These measures are reflected in the statutory and fiscal policies introduced over the past three years, particularly in the infrastructure, migration, forest rights, and education sectors.
Dr. Choudhary emphasized the need for outcome-based planning, focusing on vital infrastructure development in education, connectivity, and essential services. He called upon various departments to make concerted efforts to develop 85 villages with a substantial tribal population, for which funding has been allocated by both the Central and UT Governments. Notably, 32 of these villages have already received funds.
Efforts were also discussed to revamp the education infrastructure, with funding already provided by the department. Vikas Kundal, the Deputy Commissioner, provided insights into various initiatives across sectors, including the construction of hostels, transit accommodations in Kandi and Thanamandi, EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools) at Gurdan Bala and Kandi, model village development, and animal/sheep husbandry.
Furthermore, the tribal affairs department has sanctioned the construction of four new hostels with a cumulative project cost of Rs 18 Crores in Sunderbani, Nowshera, Budhal (New), and Khwas. Additionally, two transit accommodations are being established at Kesri Hill and Thanamandi, catering to the migratory population at a cost of Rs 7 Crores.
The meeting also discussed the need for planning convergence in the development of amenities in each of the 85 approved villages to empower communities through education. An outlay of Rs 32 Crores has been approved for the modern development of these villages.
Under the Capital Expenditure (CapEx) plan of the tribal affairs department, more than 30 villages are receiving potable drinking water facilities this year, while 37 villages are witnessing road and infrastructure development. Projects also include the establishment of dairy and sheep units, smart classrooms, community halls, and other infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
Dr. Choudhary stressed the formulation of the Tribal Sub Plan by all departments in their budgets, following the guidelines of the Government of India. He highlighted the vital role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in earmarking funds proportionate to the tribal population in plan formulation, a prerequisite for the release of additional grants.
The meeting served as a platform for discussions and decisions aimed at promoting the holistic development of tribal areas and improving the lives of the tribal population. The officials and departments involved are committed to the effective implementation of projects to uplift these communities and create opportunities for growth and prosperity.