Jammu, Dec 05: Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary reviewed the progress on various projects, schemes and initiatives of the department and stressed for expediting the tendering and execution process.

A number of new schemes were also deliberated upon.

The department’s scheme for post-matric/ graduate scholarship was reviewed under which a record number of 8189 applications have been received up from previous highest of around 4200 applications. Director, Tribal Affairs has been asked to initiate the coordination for institute and district verification process for timely disbursement of scholarship before the end of financial year.

Director, Tribal Affairs, Mushir Ahmed Mirza, Secretary, Advisory Board, Mukhtar Ahmed, Joint Director Planning, OSDs, senior officers of the department while Deputy Commissioners of various districts along with district and sectoral officers participated through videoconference.

Detailed review of villages selected under the Cluster Tribal Model Villages was conducted under which nearly Rs 80 crore have been released by the department for development of infrastructure in various tribal villages in different districts. Sectoral officers were asked to ensure adherence to timelines for execution of works and tangible outcome. Progress on Milk Villages and mini Sheep Farms being executed through Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department was also reviewed.

Dr Shahid asked the Deputy Commissioners and district/ sectoral officers for active involvement of local stakeholders in the tribal villages and ensuring time-bound execution of projects during current financial year. He also asked for convening the meeting of District Planning and Monitoring Committee (DPMC) for formulation of Annual Plan 2022-23 and submission by 15th December in view of ongoing process for budget formulation. Scholarship schemes, FRA implementation and tribal survey were also deliberated upon.

Further, CEOs have been asked to submit compiled list of pre-matric applications latest by 10th December 2021. Pertinently, budget of Rs 30 crore has been provided by the Government of scholarships this year and additional grant will be provided based on requirement.

Steps for implementation of Van Dhan Scheme were also discussed under which each cluster of 15 SHGs is being provided Rs. 15 Lakh. Technical teams are being deputed for community engagement. Under the tourism plan SHGs of 10 members each are being constituted for providing Rs. 20 Lakh worth infrastructure to create tourist village for Transhumant summer destinations. Skill Development Plan and Self-Employment initiatives were also discussed in the meeting.