Div Com reviews rehabilitation process of Katra mule owners

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 25: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma today directed Deputy Commissioner Reasi and concerned departments to conduct training session to the displaced mule owners of Katra for their rehabilitation.
The Div Com issued the directions while chairing a meeting convened to review the rehabilitation process of the mule owners who were earlier operating on the Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan track.
The meeting was attended by Director Urban Local Bodies, Director Animal Husbandry, Director Sheep Husbandry, Director EDI and other concerned officers, while Deputy Commissioner Reasi along with concerned officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
The Government has decided to rehabilitate these mule owners after National Green Tribunal issued certain guidelines for preservation of ecology around the shrine.
Verma sought details regarding number of mule owners phased out and pendency. The DC Reasi informed that the district administration has conducted a number of training sessions for rehabilitation of mule owners.
Verma asked DC Reasi to constitute teams comprising officers from concerned departments for imparting skill development training in trades like, mushroom cultivation, handloom, handicraft, apiculture to the displaced mule owners. He further asked for providing financial assistance to them for opting self employment and earning livelihood under various Government schemes.