Multiple steps taken to safeguard interests of tribals, says L-G Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today joined the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations at Convention Centre, Jammu.

Addressing the UT-level function through virtual mode, the Lieutenant Governor paid tributes to iconic freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda and recalled his contribution to the freedom movement and nation-building. He said the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is dedicated to honour the tribal icon and celebrate the rich culture and glorious history of tribal communities.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the historic steps taken by the J&K government in the past four years, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to change the lives of tribal communities.

He reiterated the commitment of the government to safeguard the rights of the tribal communities, promote and preserve their cultural and linguistic heritage and provide equal opportunities across the sectors. “My aim has always been to protect the interests of tribals and improve welfare of women and youth from the community,” the Lt Governor said.

For the first time, the welfare of tribal communities, who were excluded from mainstream of development for several decades, have been kept at the center of government’s development agenda, he added.

Implementation of Forest Rights Act, Pradhan Mantri Van-Dhan Vikas Yojana, Van Dhan Self Help Groups, Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, allotment of 5 marla land to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (G) eligible landless tribal beneficiaries, new tribal hostels, smart schools, special scholarships and many more such initiatives are paving the way for the brighter future of the tribal population, the Lt Governor further added.

He said the IEC Campaign of Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan will also ensure the effective implementation of the scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, which will help in saturation of critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, livelihood and ensure holistic and sustainable development of tribal areas and communities.

Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister, Tribal Affairs; Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Prasanna Ramaswamy G, Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, senior officers and members of Tribal communities and youth were present at Convention Centre.