 Early Times Report
Srinagar, Oct 10: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, on Saturday said the government has created a separate Tribal Affairs ministry to ensure empowerment of weaker sections, especially Gujjars & Bakerwals.
He also placed high priority on allocating funds in departmental plans for upliftment of Gujjars & Bakerwals. "These funds should be released on time so that the benefits trickle down to the intended beneficiaries at the grassroots' level," he stressed.
The Chief Minister said this while chairing the 34th meeting of the State Advisory Board for Development of Gujjar & Bakerwal community, at SKICC, here this afternoon.
Besides Member Parliament, Mehbooba Mufti, Minister for Heath & Medical Education, Ch. Lal Singh, Minister for Rural Development, Abdul Haq Khan, Minister for CA&PD & Tribal Affairs, Ch. Zulfkar, Minister for Finance & Culture, Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu, Minister for Social Welfare & Forest, Bali Baghat, Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar and Minister for PHE, I&FC, Sukhnandan Kumar and Vice Chairman State Advisory Board for Gujjars & Bakerwals, Ch. Zafar Ali were also present on the occasion.
Describing education as the key to empowerment of Gujjars and Bakerwals, the Chief Minister announced setting of two girls' hostels at Udhampur and Kupwara districts. He also passed directions for upgrading GB schools at Srinagar and Jammu as institutes of excellence, on the pattern of Model School Scheme in the Education Department. "I also announce enhancement of food stipend in hostels for schoolchildren from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100," he said, while stressing upon improving the dilapidated condition of existing hostels.
Calling upon hassle-free movement of livestock and nomadic Gujjars, Mufti Sayeed announced distribution of nearly 10,000 solar lights amongst the community who don't have access to electricity.
Mehbooba Mufti, in her address, said the government needs to take effective steps to instill a sense of security in the Gujjar & Bakerwal community
Referring to the hardships faced by the Gujjars & Bakerwals, Ch. Lal Singh highlighted the pathetic condition of the community and called for steps for their social and economic upliftment. He said the community is marginalized and special focus is required to improve their lot.
In his address, the Tribal Affairs Minister highlighted the difficulties faced by the community and hailed the Chief Minister for creating a separate Tribal Affairs Ministry. "I assure that the money and resources allocated will be optimally utilized for the betterment of the community," he said, while stressing upon promotion of education sector by setting up of more schools and hostels.
He said the Tribal Affairs Ministry, in coordination with the Education Departtment, will make Gujjar schools institutes of excellence.
Minister for Social Welfare and Forest also spoke on the occasion. |
