Kulgam, Nov 14 (KNS): Department of Tribal Affairs Monday organized an awareness camp cum workshop at DIET kulgam to spread awareness regarding the schemes in vogue for the betterment of scheduled tribes in UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
The awareness camp cum workshop was attended by DDC Chairman Mohd Afzal , DDC members, BDC chairpersons, Principals of GDCs, HSSs, ITIs, CEO, ZEOs, faculty members from various institutions among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Javaid Ahmad said that the aim of conducting this awareness camp is to disseminate information about the schemes meant for the betterment of scheduled tribes to the heads of educational institutions. Apprising the chair, he said that there are 12 schemes in vogue for the development of the ST community at present.
He said that the Department of Tribal Affairs is adopting two cluster villages with sizable ST population in each district for accelerated development. He added that in every sector including health, education, power and water supply, road connectivity, skill upgradation, etc special emphasis is being given on ensuring the benefits percolate to the tribal communities.
Several PRIs attended the workshop and put forth demands including inclusion of all castes of forest dwellers.
Aditional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, while speaking on the occasion said that it is the moral and legal duty of the heads of institutions to aware and enroll the ST students in various schemes.
He said that various initiatives are being taken for the upliftment of ST community viz. census of migratory population, providing mobile teachers, transportation facilities, tribal awards, organising tribal festivals, skill development trainings, scholarship schemes, organising awareness camps etc. He said that the aim of organising such awareness camps is to ensure that every member of the ST community can access the benefits available through schemes in vogue.
Speakers said that the issues raised will be taken up with the higher authorities and directed the revenue officials and heads of educational institutions to speed up the process for enrollment of ST students in scholarship schemes. (KNS)