J&K Minister urges center to establish Vocational Training Centres, Ashram Schools, CoE and hostels to improve education and skill development in tribal areas

Srinagar / New Delhi : Urging for urgent intervention of the Centre for establishment of hostels, Ashram Schools, Vocational Training Centres (VTC) and other benefits for uplift of Scheduled Tribe Community, Minister for Tribal Affairs, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said though the state government has taken several initiatives, due to limited resources, desired results have not been achieved.

Chowdhary Zulfkar raised these issues with Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram when he called on him at New Delhi on Saturday, an official spokesman said here.

During the meeting, Mr Zulfkar briefed the Union Minister that Jammu & Kashmir Tribals constitute 12 per cent of state’s total population. He said although the J&K Government has taken several initiatives for uplift of Scheduled Tribe Community, due to limited resources available, the desired results have not been achieved in the state so far.

Stating that Tribal population of the state is scattered all over the three regions of state viz Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir, the Minister demanded for establishment of Centre of Excellence, in each region so that necessary impetus can be given for enhancing education levels in the community.

Mr Zulfkar also demanded for establishment of 22 Vocational training Centres for tribal population in each district of the state to instill necessary skill in tribal students so that they can become self-reliant. He also demanded for enhancing funds under Article 275 and Tribal Sub Plan so that enhanced developmental efforts can be undertaken on ground.

He informed the Union Minister that presently, various welfare and developmental activities are being undertaken under Article 275 and TSP viz setting up of infrastructure by providing educational classrooms, opening/up-gradation of existing classrooms, smart classrooms, e-classrooms, construction, repairs and Renovation of ST Girls and Boys Hostels besides various other works. Pressing for establishment of Aashram Schools in the Tribal Areas, Minister said that there is a need for establishing such schools in each district to cater to those students who have no guardian or caretaker, so that their education does not suffer.

Terming education as important to change the fate of tribals, the Minister said that they are working on establishing Eklayva Model Residential Schools in various parts of the state but said that additional schools are required on the same pattern to ensure proper educational facilities for tribal students. He demanded establishment of Eklavya Model Residential School at Kupwara, Bandipora, Leh, Koteranka (Rajouri), Kishtwar, Reasi, Udhampur, Ramban, Jammu & Srinagar.

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