Omar reaffirms holistic welfare of Gujjar, Bakerwals, other backward sections

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Reviewing the progress of Sub-Plan at the 33rd meeting of State Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjar and Bakerwal here on Thursday, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah directed for finalizing the Sub-Plan along with the formulation of District Development Plans to ensure timely receipt of funds from the Centre Government.
The Chief Minister also directed the Planning and Development Department to earmark funds for the initiation of works under the Sub-Plan at the beginning of the fiscal to ensure launch of works well within the time limit.
“The amount thus earmarked can be subsequently appropriated and adjusted when the funds are received from the Centre Government”, he said and added that this action is required for timeline completion of schemes and to ensure benefits percolate to the people positively.
Omar Abdullah said that development of Gujjar and Bakerwal community along with other weaker sections of the society is the priority concern of the government. He said the schemes aided by the Centre Government in this regard need to be taken best advantage and funds utilized to obtain desired results.
The Chief Minister reviewed the action taken report on the decisions taken in the last Board meeting and impressed upon the Administrative Secretaries to regularly monitor the implementation of decisions on ground so that benefits reach to the people promptly.
At the outset, the Vice Chairman Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, B. A. Naaz pinpointed areas requiring focused attention of the government for addressing demands of Gujjar and Bakerwal community.
In a PowerPoint presentation, the Secretary Board, Abdul Lateef Puswal presented resume of the functioning of the Board and the progress achieved on various development schemes.
The meeting discussed matters relating to the construction of Gujjar Bhawan at Narwal, opening of PG Hostels in Jammu and Srinagar, creation of posts for newly created hostels, opening of new hostels, reservation of admission to Gujjar and Bakerwal students in private schools, opening of mobile medical centres, opening of additional mobile aid centres for livestock of migratory Gujjar and Bakerwal, insurance coverage of livestock and other matters pertaining to the welfare of the community.
Meanwhile, Mr Omar reaffirmed his Government’s determination to universalize equitable development and reach out to all areas in the comprehensive economic welfare process launched in the State.
The Chief Minister said that focus is on upliftment of weaker sections and people living in far-flung and backward pockets of the State. He said various Advisory Boards have been constituted to address the community specific issues and address these meaningfully.
The Chief Minister was chairing 2nd Board meeting of State Advisory Board for the welfare and Development of Other Backward Classes here today.
Reviewing the action taken on the decisions taken in OBC Board meeting, the Chief Minister directed for identifying land for the construction of OBC Hostel-cum-Bhawan at Srinagar. The land has already been identified under the directions of the Chief Minster at Jammu for this purpose.
The meeting discussed matters pertaining to creation of sub-clause for other backward classes, creation of staff for the Board, special vocational training to the youth belonging to OBC, providing of soft loans with subsidy to OBC, special recruitment drive for OBC youth in Police Department, organizing of annual exhibition of artisans from OBC and other related matters.
Speaking in the meeting, Vice Chairman, OBC, Kuldeep Raj Verma also identified areas where government action is needed for redressal of issues pertaining to the welfare of OBC.
The Secretary of OBC Board, Basharat Hussain explained the agenda items through a PowerPoint presentation.