Reasi
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda on Monday said that advancement of education, health and employment sectors are main focus areas of centre government’s development plan.
Chairing a public outreach meeting here at STC Talwara in block Pouni, during his visit to this mountainous district, the Union Minister sought full involvement of local administration in meeting the targets of central schemes.
Secretary Tribal Affairs, Abdul Majid Bhat and Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib, besides all district level heads of government departments, were present at the public outreach meeting.
The Union Minister reiterated the government’s resolve for holistic development of J&K in line with other parts of India. “Creation of avenues of self-employment for the youth, besides expansion of education, health and other basic services to every nook and corner of J&K is getting focused attention of the government,” he added .
The Union Minister further announced that the government has set the target of providing a house to all poor households of the country, before 75th Independence Day of India.
Responding to the local demands, the Union Minister assured to develop a Tribal Cluster in the district. He also assured further assistance for the development of Gujjar, Bakerwal and other scheduled tribe communities of the UT. “Developmental projects are progressing at an accelerated pace after the formation of the UT with time-bound reviews and close monitoring of progress,” he added.
On the request of Secretary Tribal Affairs, Munda also agreed to allow ST students of the district to apply for scholarships in offline mode.
Later, the Union Minister presented pension orders and certificates to local beneficiaries.
He also inaugurated newly constructed road from Zero Morh to Malad via Gun Kolsar and launched the construction work of a well at Jerri panchayat, one pond each in panchayat Saloon and panchayat Porakotla.
Earlier, the DC presented a detailed resume on the developmental profile of the district to the Union Minister. She also highlighted the pilgrim and adventure tourism potential in the district. She further informed that the district has around 28% tribal population and 40% forest cover. Potential for wind energy generation in the district was also emphasised by the DC.
