The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has commended the state government's endeavours regarding the development of tribal areas and the welfare of the people residing there. The Chairman and Members of the Commission, currently on a two-day visit to Shimla, held a review meeting here today with senior officials from various departments of the state government to discuss the challenges faced by tribal areas and their solutions.
Presiding over the meeting, the Chairman of the Commission Antar Singh Arya stated that despite difficult geographical conditions, Himachal Pradesh was performing well in the sphere of tribal development. He expressed satisfaction over the significant progress made in key sectors such as education, healthcare, road construction, electricity and drinking water supply in tribal areas.
After a detailed review of the work undertaken by various departments, he issued necessary directives aimed at providing even better facilities to the people in tribal areas. The Members of the Commission Nirupam Chakma and Dr. Asha Lakra also offered valuable suggestions and instructions.
The Chairperson directed the state government to expedite the resolution of cases under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in tribal areas so that eligible individuals could promptly receive the benefits entitled to them under the Act. He expressed happiness that, unlike in many other states of the country, no cases of Sickle Cell Anemia have been reported in the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Earlier, the Commission interacted with the youth from the state's tribal areas where they shared their views on issues related to the development of tribal society, education, employment and social empowerment. Subsequently, the Commission held meetings with representatives from tribal areas, forest conservation committees, forest rights beneficiaries and various social organizations.
Detailed discussions were held regarding issues concerning tribal communities and the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act. The meeting also featured comprehensive discussions on various matters related to the protection of tribal interests, their welfare and development.
During the event, representatives from the Hati community, Gujjars, Gaddis, Kinnauras and other tribal communities presented issues and suggestions concerning their respective regions to the Commission. Antar Singh Arya assured the representatives that necessary steps would be taken to address the issues and suggestions raised, ensuring maximum benefit for the people of the tribal areas.
On Tuesday, the Commission reviewed ongoing departmental works in tribal areas with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and the Public Works Department. The Commission also held a meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the state.
Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma conducted the proceedings of the meeting. Joint Secretary, NCST Amit Nirmaj, Directors Purendu Kant and P. Kalyan Reddy, along-with secretaries and heads of various state government departments, attended the meeting.