Nod given to Rs 31 cr development works in tribal Lahaul-Spiti dist

A review meeting regarding various plans and programmes under the Prime Minister Jan Vikas Programme was held at Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district today. The meeting was chaired by Ram Singh, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. Deputy Commissioner Lahaul-Spiti Rahul Kumar and officials of other departments were present in this meeting.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar highlighted the primary objective of the Prime Minister’s Jan Vikas Programme, which aims to foster the social and economic development of regions with significant minority populations.

Ram Singh, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, informed the gathering that development works worth Rs 31 crore have been granted administrative approval under the Prime Minister’s Jan Vikas Program for the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti. These projects are designed to improve infrastructure and provide essential services in sectors like health, education, skill development, sports, solar energy and sanitation, with a special focus on women-centric initiatives.

The review meeting saw discussion among officials from various departments about the projects approved for the region. Singh emphasised the importance of completing the necessary documentation to expedite the commencement of these projects. He also noted that the target area, where 25 per cent of the population belongs to the minority community, would benefit significantly from these initiatives.

He instructed all departments involved in the execution of these projects to ensure that the documentation process is completed swiftly so that the development work can begin without delay. He specifically mentioned that projects focusing on health, education, skill development, solar energy and hygiene should be prioritised with a special emphasis on ensuring that these projects benefit women and the minority communities in the region.

Singh also revealed that the Minister of Minority Affairs would soon visit Lahaul-Spiti to review the progress of ongoing works and approve additional plans for the region.

One of the key instructions during the meeting was for the Deputy Director of Education to disseminate information about government scholarships to students in the district. This initiative aims to ensure that no deserving student is deprived of educational opportunities due to financial constraints.

The meeting also discussed several important development projects, including purchase and installation of sports and rescue-related equipment, setting up a solar energy system at the Regional Hospital in Keylong, a water supply scheme for the Gram Panchayat of Gondhla, construction of solar energy systems in 60 schools across the district, establishment of community centres and one-stop centres in Panchayat Yurnath, a tourist information centre in Miyad Valley and construction of a tracker hut, nature interpretation centre and nature park at Sissu.

The meeting was attended by departmental heads and officials from various government sectors involved in the implementation of the Prime Minister Jan Vikas Programme. The successful implementation of these projects is expected to significantly improve the quality of life in Lahaul and Spiti and strengthen the socio-economic fabric of the region.

"The administrative approval of Rs 31 crore for these initiatives marks a crucial step in the Government of India’s commitment to the holistic development of tribal and minority-dominated areas across the country," said Singh.

Improving infra, essential services

• These projects are designed to improve infrastructure and provide essential services in sectors like health, education, skill development, sports, solar energy and sanitation.
• Instructions were issued to all departments to ensure that the documentation process is completed promptly and the projects focusing on health, education, skill development, solar energy and hygiene are prioritised.
• Officials of Minister of Minority Affairs would soon visit Lahaul-Spiti to review the progress of ongoing works.