KUPWARA, MAY 10 (KNS): Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, today visited Kupwara and inaugurated repair, renovation and fencing project of Gujjar Bakerwal hostel, Kupwara.
Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattaray and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Secretary held an interaction cum public outreach programme with parents, students and staff of Gujjar Bakerwal Hostel and took stock of pace of work on different projects being executed in tribal villages of Kupwara.
During the visit of Gujjar & Bakerwal Hostel Kupwara, Secretary reviewed status of facilities being extended to the students in the hostel.
Dr. Shahid, while addressing during the outreach programme at the hostel, congratulated the district administration Kupwara for active involvement of tribal communities in different development plan formulation and their execution as well.
He appreciated the district administration for ensuring participation of tribal community in different welfare and development programmes.
Secretary assured the people all support from the Tribal Affairs Department regarding quality education, infrastructure development, youth engagement, empowerment and skill upgradation of tribal communities, provision of facilities in different sectors including healthcare, veterinary, Animal Husbandry, employment, promotion of tribal art and culture.
"The Tribal Affairs department in collaboration with district administration is actively engaging with all the stakeholders for a coordinated approach aimed at overall welfare and holistic development of tribal community of the district" Dr. Shahid maintained.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner elabortaely explained about the status of implementation of various development projects in the district. He said that Tribal dhocks in areas like Bungas and Drangyari are being turned into home stays as tourist footfall is increasing in the district.
He informed that around 100 tribal students are availing education, boarding and lodging facilities in Gujjar Bakerwal Boys hostel, Kupwara.
Later, a colourful cultural programe depicting importance of education of tribal boys and girls was presented by the students of hostel.
Secretary distributed certificates of appreciation and momentos among the students, staff and community leaders for their exemplary achievements in different fields.
Secretary also had feedback on different issues concerning welfare and development of the district.
Director Tribal Affairs, Musheer Ahmad Mirza; SSP Kupwara, Yougal Manhas; DDC Member Kalaroose, Mustafa Rahie; DDC Member Hyhama, Haji Sonaullah Khan; ACD Kupwara, Hilal Ahmad Mir, Chief Education Officer Kupwara A.H Fani, BDO Hayhama, Dr. Tarique Ahmad Padder, Warden G&B Hostel, Nisar Ahmad, ZEO Khumriyal, ZEO Sogam, BMO Sogam, Dr. Fareed besides other officers from district administration were present on the occasion.
Later, Secretary along with Deputy Commissioner and officers of district administration paid a visit to Tribal Smart School Gund Jahangeer and Tribal smart School Gagal to take stock of education facilities there.(KNS)