Excelsior Correspondent
PULWAMA, June 15: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad has asked the Gujjar and Bakerwal community to struggle for getting their basic rights.
The Minister was addressing at one day Gujjar & Bakerwal Convention organized by All India Confederation of SC/ST, Kashmir Unit here today.
Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama Manzoor Ahmad and senior members of the confederation were present on the occasion.
The Minister said that Government has earmarked huge funds under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) aimed at development of tribal areas and asked the Deputy Commissioner to ensure release of funds under TSP simultaneously with allocation of the district plan. Underlining need for timely release of funds under tribal sub plan, the Minister asked district administration that these funds should be spend only for development of tribal areas.
Mian Altaf said that education is important for development and asked the members of the Federation to monitor the quality of education being provided to the students enrolled in Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostels.
He asked Deputy Commissioner to set up newly sanctioned mobile schools in the areas for students of Gujjar & Bakerwals to provide them educational facilities at their doorstep.
The Minister instructed Deputy Commissioner to make a proposal for road projects under core network in order to provide road connectivity to unconnected areas of Gujjar and Bakerwal Basties of the district. He asked him to take concrete steps to address the water and power supply problems of the Gujjar and Bakerwal basties in Pulwama district. He said the issues of Gujjar and Bukerwals of Shopian and Tral areas would be taken up with concerned district administration.
Mian Altaf said that Government is aware of the problems of the Gujjar and Bakerwal ommunity and assured to fulfil all the genuine demands in a phased manner.
Regarding reservation benefits to the schedule tribe community in employment and romotions, the Minister said that matter has been taken up several times with concerned authorities and is actively under consideration.
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