Secy Tribal Affairs takes stock of development scenario in Reasi

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Oct 9: Secretary Cooperatives, Tribal Affairs, Abdul Majid Bhat today chaired a meeting to review the developmental scenario and potential of Reasi district.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Indu Kanwal Chib and Director Tribal Affairs, Mushtaq Ahmad, besides officers of line departments attended the meeting
For development of Scheduled Tribe population in the district, the Secretary stressed on the need to enroll maximum number of students for availing   pre and post-matric scholarships being provided by the Union Government. He also suggested for construction of community halls in Scheduled Tribe areas of the district where their population ratio is 50 % or greater.
The Secretary also sought requisition of necessary equipment for Community Health Centre Mahore out of Scheduled Tribe funds.
The DC briefed about the profile and vital statistics of the district. It was highlighted that 40% of the district is under forest cover and that 28% of its population is tribal. Threadbare discussion was held with district officers about the present status of major developmental schemes.
It was informed that various schemes are being converged with MG-NREGS like Sericulture, Agriculture,  Jal Shakti etc. wherein labour component are kept with MG-NREGS.
The Secretary stressed on development of rural sectors like horticulture and milk village under various schemes of the Union Government, in addition to various schemes dedicated to the development of tribal groups. He also insisted on further developing organic farming, which is already prevalent in Pouni, Panthal and other blocks of the district.
He also took stock of various ongoing, languishing and stalled projects of the district. He was briefed about various other requirements. Thorough discussion was also held about the present scenario of education and health sector in the district.
The DC gave a detailed presentation on Swachhta Hi Seva 2019 and ongoing efforts of the district administration to curb the use of single-use plastic in the district.
Later, the Secretary inspected progress on languishing projects including Reasi-Kayala road and SSP Office-Mari road. He also inspected the Gujjar-Bakerwal hostel at Talwara and the under-construction Multipurpose Indoor Stadium at Mari and  Auditorium at district headquarters, both being constructed by the JKPCC.