Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, Dec 17: A day-long programme for disseminating the awareness regarding availing of the pre-matric scholarship of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) students was organized by the Directorate of Tribal Affairs (TA), J&K in collaboration with J&K Development Acton Group (JKDAG), at Maitra.
The programme was presided by the Member Legislative Assembly (MLA), Ramban, Neelam Langeh while Deputy Director (DD), TA, Jammu, Suman Bala, president, JKDAG, SM Hussain, president, J&K Gujjar Association, Haji Mohd Yousuf, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ramban, Mohammed Sharief Chauhan, ZEO Ramban Zubeda Begum and BDO Ramban, Mumtaj Mirza besides prominent local Gujjar and Bakerwal leaders of various political parties and several ST students of IX and X classes were also present.
The MLA spoke on various initiatives taken by the Centre and State Governments for the development and upliftment of the ST community. He said the people have to come out of their four walls to reap benefits of such schemes meant for STs, SCs and other backward classes.
He also said the Government has sanctioned hostel for STs in Ramban which shall support the poor ST students a lot so for as their education career is concerned. The ST students, who are unable to bear expenses for rental accommodation, will certainly take benefit from upcoming hostel.
Besides informative lectures by the resource persons regarding the centrally sponsored scheme of pre-matric scholarship for ST students, the brochures were also distributed among the eligible students on the spot.
Meanwhile, local Gujjar leaders also raised some issues pertaining to the development and career of the ST community.