SRINAGAR: Minister for Tribal Affairs, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Transport, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday announced the construction of a girls’ hostel in Samba at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore to improve accommodation facilities for tribal students.
The announcement was made during an interaction with members of tribal communities in Samba as part of the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, being observed across Jammu and Kashmir from November 1 to 15.
During the interaction, the Minister heard grievances and demands relating to housing, education, scholarships, healthcare, road connectivity, drinking water, electricity and livelihood opportunities. He directed the concerned departments to examine the issues and ensure their resolution within stipulated timelines.
Rana called upon government departments to ensure that tribal communities receive an adequate share of development funds under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), in accordance with the applicable guidelines of NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
He stressed that budgetary allocations for tribal welfare should correspond to the population and development requirements of these communities, adding that the funds must be effectively utilised to address gaps in infrastructure, education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities.
Observing that tribal development was a collective responsibility of the administration, Rana called for better coordination among the departments of Rural Development, Education, Health, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Social Welfare and Skill Development.
He also directed the district administration to organise special outreach camps in tribal habitations during the fortnight to identify eligible families who had not yet been covered under government welfare schemes.
The Deputy Commissioner, Samba, was asked to ensure maximum coverage of eligible tribal households under housing, scholarships, healthcare, social security, skill development, employment and livelihood programmes.
The Minister said the success of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada should be measured by the benefits delivered to tribal families rather than the number of events organised.
He further called for identifying infrastructure and development gaps in tribal habitations and incorporating their requirements into departmental plans. Officers were also directed to maintain regular engagement with tribal representatives and address genuine grievances promptly.
Later, Rana inspected the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown at Jatwal in Samba, where he reviewed foodgrain availability, storage conditions, quality control arrangements and the functioning of the Public Distribution System.
He directed officials to maintain adequate stocks, ensure proper storage and facilitate regular supplies and timely distribution of ration to beneficiaries without inconvenience.
MLA Surjeet Singh Salathia, Deputy Commissioner Samba, senior officers of the Tribal Affairs and FCS&CA departments, representatives of Rural Development and other sectoral departments, besides members of tribal communities, attended the programme.
