JAMMU: Commissioner Secretary Cooperatives Department, Yasha Mudgal, and Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, today chaired a joint meeting to discuss the modalities for the formulation of new cooperative societies for the welfare of Tribal Communities.
A formal presentation was made in the meeting by the Tribal Affairs Department highlighting its major schemes and funding pattern. It was informed that the department is implementing Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana for boosting the livelihood avenues for the tribal population.
The meeting was informed that Cooperative Societies shall be involved in the value addition of products identified under the scheme. It was decided that the cooperative societies already existing in the areas having sizeable tribal populations shall be targeted in the first phase for the establishment of 100 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras which shall select the items based on market linkages and simultaneously more such societies shall be registered on fast track basis.
Commissioner Secretary stressed upon the officers and officials of the department to work with full zeal for optimum utilisation of the opportunities of working in convergence with the Tribal Affairs Department.
Nodal officer, Tribal Research Institute, J&K, Dr Abdul Khabir, presented basic facts of the areas where convergence between the two departments is possible.
It was also decided that the two departments shall enter into a formal MoU outlining the road map for a synergistic implementation of the decisions taken.
It was informed that the Tribal Affairs Department is working on another pioneering project with the Central Wool Development Board where cooperative societies shall be given better leverage for working on the marketing and promotion of wool and other products. Further, it was also decided that artisans shall be identified through the cooperative department who shall be empanelled with TRIFED.
Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mohammed Akbar Wani, Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Mohammad Harun, Director Tribal Affairs, Musheer Ahmed Mirza, Joint Director Planning, Deputy Registrars, and other officers and officials of both departments attended the meeting.
