Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said the J&K administration is empowering those who were discriminated against since ages. Sinha made this assertion during the first ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ to mark the celebration of Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary at Kala Kendra.
Speaking on the occasion, the LG said that the sacrifices and contribution of the tribal community in our independence struggle are immense, incomparable and invaluable.
According to an official press release, the LG said that “under the guidance of Hon’ble PM, J&K UT is empowering those who were discriminated against since ages.
“Apart from implementation of forest rights act, we are making endeavours for socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes through special educational, infrastructure and livelihood schemes,” he added.
The LG observed that emphasis is being laid on empowering tribal community so that they can live a life of self-respect and dignity.
“J&K is transforming on an unprecedented scale and speed. Improving people’s living standards, reforming rural and urban infrastructure and unlocking potential of women and youth from marginalized sections is our top-most priority,” he said.
Participating in the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the LG gave his best wishes to all the tribal entrepreneurs and personalities associated with art, culture and literary world present on the occasion.
Underscoring the need to make the young generation aware about the sacrifices and struggle of tribal freedom fighters, the LG said that “along with Bhagwan Birsa Munda, heroes such as Rani Gaidinliu, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Komaram Bheem, Shankar Shah, Raghunath Shah, Khajya Nayak, Sitaram Kanwar, Bhima Nayak and many other made supreme sacrifices for the tribal community and gave immense contribution for a new India.”
The LG also remembered Mali Begum of Poonch who had saved the border district from falling into the hands of enemies in the 1971 war, and 1965 war hero Mohammad Deen Jagir, who was awarded the Padma Shree by the Government of India.
The LG said that “Prime Minister has extended equal rights to a large population of tribal community in Jammu and Kashmir through his historic decision to implement Forests Rights Act 2006.”
The LG mentioned about transit accommodations being established at eight place at the cost of Rs 28 crores with facilities of medical camp, extra tents, animal sheds, etc; Tribal Health Plan worth Rs 8 crores; 500 youth to be selected for advance training like pilot, robotics, management; arrangements for 1521 Seasonal School, etc.
The LG called on the new generation to take inspiration and follow the path of their tribal ancestors who made contributions, sacrifices and served the tribal society, imbibing the values of their culture and rich heritage with a true heart. He also urged all the thinkers and artists of the society to come together with the Tribal department to further enrich the tribal cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, the LG also inaugurated a Photo exhibition on “Tribal Communities of J&K”, an exhibition displaying various tribal arts and crafts. He also felicitated eminent artists, laureates of tribal art and literature, and tribal entrepreneurs on the occasion.
The LG handed over vehicles under the Mumkin scheme to tribal youth.
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Administrative Secretary, Tribal Affairs department delivered the welcome address and presented vote of thanks on the occasion.
