Chairman District Development Council (DDC) Doda, Dhananter Singh Kotwal, along with the Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh today distributed solar lamps among tribal families of Dhadkai village, popularly known as the “Silent Village of India.”
The village has a population of around 4,000, including nearly 90 hearing- and speech-impaired residents. The distribution programme was held at the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex. A joint initiative of Bindi International, a Rajasthan-based NGO and the District Administration, aimed at promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions in remote and tribal areas.
The representatives of Dhadkai village projected several demands and grievances, seeking better education facilities for local students, including hostel accommodation, scholarship benefits, sports infrastructure and opening of seasonal schools, besides creating livelihood opportunities for the youth.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated Bindi International for implementing such meaningful initiatives for the welfare of tribal communities. He emphasized the importance of renewable energy in promoting sustainable development and assured continued support for similar welfare-oriented programmes in the district.
The DC announced that expert educators would be provided for the hearing- and speech-impaired inhabitants of Dhadkai village. He directed the stakeholder departments to put up proposals for development of civic infrastructure, special education facilities and extension of benefits of tribal welfare schemes to the villagers.
The DC also announced that all expenses related to the welfare of differently-abled inhabitants would be borne by the District Administration. He informed that a proposal has been prepared for the establishment of a Tribal Community Market Centre at Doda to enhance livelihood opportunities for the tribal population.
He added that education, healthcare and other essential services would be prioritised for the holistic development of the village. Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairman stressed the need for collective efforts for the welfare of the inhabitants.
He highlighted that several NGOs are working for the uplift of the deaf and mute community and informed about the “Dharti Aabha” initiative launched by the Government of India for tribal welfare. He called for extending similar initiatives to underserved areas, emphasizing on opening of special schools for differently-abled children.
He further informed that around 200 solar lamps are being distributed under the programme and the government departments have been directed to work in convergence mode for the welfare of the inhabitants. Chairman of Bindi International NGO, Mukesh Kumar highlighted the efforts of the organization and informed that the NGO is working across 19 states of India, distributing solar lamps in remote and tribal regions.
The event was attended by DDC Vice Chairperson, Sangeeta Rani, ADC, Anil Kumar Thakur, ACD, Din Mohammad Afaqi, SDM Gandoh, Arun Kumar Badyal, CPO, Manesh Kumar Manhas, District Social Welfare Officer, Zubair Ahmed, CEO, Bhushan Kumar Pathak, CMO, Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, Sheep Husbandry Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Agriculture Officer, members of Bindi International NGO, solar engineers and other district officers.
The inhabitants of Dhadkai village also attended the programme and expressed gratitude to the district administration and Bindi International for the initiative, stating that the solar lamps would greatly assist them in their daily lives. Meanwhile, the district administration Doda, in collaboration with Bindi International NGO, is sponsoring five girls for advanced skill development training in Rajasthan.
The initiative planned under the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao (BPBB), aims to provide quality skill-based training to young girls, enabling them to become self-reliant, confident and economically independent. “Five girls belonging to Dhadkai village and other remote and underprivileged parts of Doda shall be sent for the training, ensuring inclusive participation and equal opportunities for girls from all sections of society”, said the DC The selected girls shall undergo structured vocational and life-skill training at the training centre of Bindi International NGO in Rajasthan.