JAMMU, DECEMBER 10: Secretary Tribal Affairs and Cooperatives Abdul Majid Bhat, exhorted upon the officers to expedite the digitization works in the existing and under construction Gujjar and Bakkerwal (G&B) Hostels in the state.
“ It is imperative that these hostels are equipped with technologically advanced infrastructure to enable the students of the community keep pace with today’s world of digital knowledge and technology”, the Secretary maintained while reviewing the functioning of tribal Affairs department at an officers meeting here today.
Stressing upon the need of providing digital services to the students, the Secretary asked the officers to speed up the work on creation of computer Lab, internet facilities and other related services in these hostels so that the students here could keep pace with the competitive world.
The Secretary asked the officers to organize debates, symposiums cultural programmes and other functions to boost morale of the students besides enabling them develop a sense of competition. Such events provide a platform to students to exhibit and further polish their talent in the fields of their choice, he added. He also asked the authorities to enhance the bedding capacity in these hostels so that the intake capacity is raised to accommodate more students.
Taking cognizance regarding lack of proper utilization of funds, Secretary exhorted the officials to ensure judicious utilization of allocated amount under different schemes so that these institutions serve as a hub of quality education and excellence for tribal students.
The Secretary asked the concerned officers to further gear up their men and machinery for quality and timely completion of all projects being executed for the welfare and development of Tribal population of the state.
Referring to certain complaints regarding poor basic amenities and unhygienic in Gujjar and Bakkerwal hostels, the Secretary exhorted upon the concerned officers to look into the matter and initiate prompt action in this regard. He asked them to ensure that the students of this under privileged community are facilitated with enhanced services with emphasis on comfortable and hygienic environment and healthy food which is pre-requisite for overall development of youth.
Majid asked the officials to raise massive awareness among the schemes and programmes envisaging overall development of tribal community who are an integral part of our society.
Director Tribal Affairs, Mushtaq Ahmad, informed the meeting that work on establishment of 19 cluster Model Tribal Villages is in full swing and the process for development of more 16 tribal villages as Model Villages is also under consideration. Besides, two Milk Villages, one at Pulwama and one at Rajouri, have also been created which are functional. He further informed that the department is also working earnestly towards skill development of tribal population besides improving services for them in health sector, agriculture and allied fields. He added that the construction work on five Eklavya Model Residential Schools and seventeen Schedule Tribe Gujjar Bakerwal hostels is in progress. Besides, the department has provided Biomass Cook stoves to about 8500 families at Kishtwar to save the tribal women from several health hazards being caused due to smoke of traditional Chullahs.
