Shadow Correspondent
Kathua, NOV 05:
Minister for Tribal Affairs, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Transport, Javed Ahmed Rana, today participated in the Janjatiya Diwas Pakhwada programme organised at the DC Office Complex, Kathua.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the present dispensation is working towards ensuring permanent settlement of tribal communities to mitigate their long-standing hardships and improve their living conditions. He emphasised that focused interventions are being undertaken to address the socio-economic concerns of tribal populations.
Highlighting various welfare measures, Rana said that Forest Rights Committees (FRCs) are being constituted at district and sub-divisional level to facilitate the tribal communities in availing benefits under the Forest Rights Act. He informed that the government is keen to constitute a Tribal Advisory Committee to ensure due representation of the aspirations and concerns of nomadic communities.
The Minister said that the Janjatiya Diwas Pakhwada provides an opportunity to revisit the welfare trajectory of tribal communities. This strengthens the outreach efforts to educate the people about their invaluable contributions, rich cultural traditions and heritage, he added.
Describing Kathua as a symbol of unity and brotherhood, he called for collective efforts by all stakeholders to address the concerns and hardships faced by the tribal communities. He assured that their developmental aspirations would be duly considered while formulating the plans and programmes at all levels.
Regarding the updation of family members in ration cards, the Minister said that the exercise is linked with the completion of the ongoing Census process. He directed the District Administration to work out an exercise for incorporating the details of eligible additional family members. He also assured that adequate ration supplies would be ensured for migrating nomadic groups.
Rana directed the Executive Engineer, Flood Control, to expedite restoration and protection works in flood-affected habitations, stating that the government has already approved adequate funds for the purpose.
Earlier, the opening session featured a detailed presentation on the life, ideals and contributions of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The speakers paid tributes to the legendary tribal freedom fighter and recalled his struggle for the rights and dignity of tribal communities.
Representatives and speakers from diverse tribal communities also highlighted various demands, grievances and developmental issues during the programme.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, Director, Tribal Affairs, Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, Secretary Advisory Board for Development of Gujjar & Bakkerwal, Dr Basharat Hussain, ADDC Surinder Mohan, PO ICDS Mohammed Syed Khan, GM DIC Muhstaq Chaudhary, ACD Gulshan Kumar, CPO Ranjeet Thakur and other officers of district administration were also present.
