Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the ‘Specially Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) Development Mission’ worth Rs 24,000 crore at the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ in Jharkhand.
Its impact will also be felt in Jammu and Kashmir as the LG administration will step up tribal welfare initiatives.
The tribal population spread hope that the Prime Minister’s initiative will complement the ongoing efforts of the LG administration for their welfare.
This mission, announced in the 2023-24 budget, aims to comprehensively address the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). The mission, scheduled to launch on November 15, is set to be a historic first-of-its-kind initiative.
Numbering around 28 lakh and residing in 22,544 villages in 220 districts across 18 states and Union territories, PVTG often live in remote and inaccessible areas. The mission aims to provide them with basic amenities such as road and telecom connectivity, electricity, housing, clean water, sanitation, improved education, healthcare and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
In a parallel effort, the Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, is actively involved in tribal welfare initiatives. In a significant move, on September 13, individual and community rights certificates were handed over to beneficiaries of Gujjar, Bakarwal and Gaddi Sippi communities under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
This historic step not only granted forest land rights but also expanded rights over minor forest products. The government is preparing to set up infrastructure for collection, value addition, packaging and distribution in collaboration with Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited.
To further enhance the educational empowerment of tribal children, the government has launched a project to convert 200 schools in tribal areas into Smart Schools at a cost of Rs 40 billion. This initiative, which aims to improve the scientific spirit and reduce the dropout rate, is planned to be completed by March 2022.
The J&K administration is investing a total of around 104 million rupees to strengthen school infrastructure in tribal areas, modernize hostels and set up new hostels. Additionally, two Eklavya Model Schools were established in Rajouri and others in Anantnag, Poonch, Kulgam and Bandipora.
Economic empowerment of the tribal population is also an important focus. The Department of Tribal Affairs has initiated a plan to establish Dairy Villages, Milk Cooling Plants and Dairy Processing facilities in tribal villages. This initiative aims to promote milk production, create employment for tribal youth and develop infrastructure.
With scholarships, professional courses and various economic empowerment programmes, the Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, is trying to bring about positive transformations in the lives of tribal communities, marking a significant milestone in the development drive of the region. Social equality and development.
news source (www.thekashmirmonitor.net)
