Tribal welfare among top priorities of Central Government: Renuka Singh 

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh on Thursday said that tribal welfare is among the topmost priorities of the Central Government and dedicated efforts are being made to raise the socio-economic status of the tribal population.
Meeting a deputation of tribal on her second leg of two-day visit to bordering Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir as a part of special public outreach programme, she said that the Government is taking best possible measures for the overall development of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and much focus is being laid on pushing every sector to take the UT to newer heights of development and prosperity.
Specific issues included safeguarding 10 percent reservation status for Gujjar and Bakerwals, permanent shelters for migratory tribal population and inclusion of all eligible beneficiaries under Forest Right Act among others were also discussed.
Moreover, issues like sanctioning of adequate tribal funds, sanctioning of additional EMRs for the district, improvement in quality of education in mobile schools, proper market linkage to be provided for wool, concession to be provided to the nomads in electricity bills etc.
The MoS also interacted with the Pahadi deputation and listened to their issues and demands. The Pahadi deputation apprised the MoS about a number of issues and demands including giving ST status to pahadis.
“It is being ensured that the benefits of the welfare schemes and programs reach the last beneficiary of the country”, she said and maintained that dedicated efforts are being made to make sure that no one is deprived of their rights.
The MoS also said that the Union Government has set the target of turning India into a developed nation by the 100th year of its independence, 2047.
She also said that the development is on fast track in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir and scores of vital developmental projects have been completed and many projects are in progress.
She said that the Central Government is making efforts to ensure the quality disposal of genuine public concerns in a time bound manner.
The MoS asked the teaching staff to ensure that quality education is provided to the students in EMRs. While interacting with the students, she advised them to dream big and work hard to achieve the desired goals of their lives.
Underlining scores of measures being taken by the Government to strengthen the education system in the country, she said that the Government is taking effective measures to improve the education standards by building the capacity of the teachers with modern teaching techniques.
Later, the Minister also laid e foundation stone of tribal transit accomodation facilities for tribal population at Kesari Hill (Koteranka) and Thanamandi. The projects are to be executed at an estimated cost of Rs 354 lakhs each.