Excelsior Correspondent
SHOPIAN, Oct 14: Union Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Anil Kumar Jha, today conducted an extensive tour of Shopian villages to assess impact of tribal development and welfare schemes of the Government on the community.
Union Secretary, accompanied by Union Joint Secretary, Dr. Navaljeet Kapoor alongwith other officers of tribal affairs department and district administration visited Heerpora, Dubjan and Peer Ki Gali.
He interacted with tribal migratory population there and listened to their issues and suggestions for more holistic tribal welfare. He sought feedback on ground impact of schemes and programmes of the Ministry towards the goal of inclusive development of tribal population.
Scores of tribal pastoralists apprised the Secretary of their issues and concerns seeking an early redressal to the same.
At Heerpora, Union Secretary met students, admitted in seasonal school for tribals, and enquired about the status of education they are being provided there. The students put forth various demands concerning further streamlining of education facilities in these schools.
At Dubjan, Anil Kumar interacted with tribal population and also visited Veterinary Mobile Camp established for livestocks.
At other places en route, tribal representatives projected various development issues concerning welfare of the tribal population. Their issues inter alia included establishment of Government Degree College at Keller and establishment of Girls hostel.
Winding up his tour of higher reaches of Peer Panjal, Union Secretary visited Per Ki Gali, a mountain pass where he took stock of under construction transit accommodation for Tribal Pastoralist who transhumance between Kashmir and Jammu Pastures during the winter and summer seasons.
He was informed that the Transit Accommodation being constructed for the stay of migratory Pastoralists shall come up with an approved cost of Rs 1.21 crore for almost 200 people consisting of 2 dormitory units.
Anil Kumar visited Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel, Shopian, where he inspected the boarding and lodging facilities being extended there by the Tribal Affairs Department. He inspected the Smart Class room, library there and took stock of functioning of the hostel.
Union Secretary also visited Government High School, Shirmal, where he interacted with the tribal students.
Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb, Director Tribal Affairs, J&K, Musheer Ahmad, Secretary, Advisory Board for Development of Gujjars and Bakkerwals, Mukhtar Ahmad Choudhary and other district officers accompanied the visiting officers.
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