Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 28: Terming the establishment of separate tribal ministry a historic step taken by PDP- BJP Government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, PDP general secretary Nizamudin Bhat today said that the present Government was very serious to empower the neglected sections of the society.
Addressing maiden day long convention of Gujjar Bakerwal of district Bandipore after the formation of Gujjar Bakerwal Board, he said it was a first ever serious step taken by any Government to have separate ministry to ensure empowerment of much neglected and weaker sections especially Gujjar Bakerwals in the State.
Vice Chairman Gujjar Bakerwal Board Ch Zaffar and Coordinator for north Raja Aijaz Ali were also present on this occasion.
Describing education as a key to empowerment of the tribes particularly in Bandipora, Bhat urged the Government for upgradation and setting up of special schools for providing better education facilities to the children of these tribes and enhancement of food stipend and scholarships for them. He stressed upon the need to empower them also on vital indicators in road connectivity, health and power. He also said that live stock insurance and dairy cooperative movement among several confidence building measures are needed to ensure sense of inclusiveness among the community along with effective steps to instill sense of security among them. He urged the Government to ensure earlier sanctioning of separate developmental funds which was recommended three years earlier when he was representing Bandipora and enhance tribal sub plan for Bandipora to ensure better infrastructure and other amenities in tribal areas of Bandipora. He urged that free solar lights be sanctioned in these areas.
Vice Chairman Choudhary Zaffar said that the community is marginalized and special focus is required to improve their lot. He said the present Government is serious about their pathetic conditions and has been working for their economic upliftment.
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