GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda reviewed the ongoing Tribal Livelihood Development Programme and other projects to be taken up for welfare and development of the tribal people in the state at a meeting at State Guest House, Koinadhora in Guwahati today.
At the beginning of the meeting, MD TRIFED Pravir Krishna made a detailed presentation on the ongoing programmes and the proposed projects to be implemented in the state.
Chief Minister Sarma during the review said that in tandem with the Prime Minister's vision for inclusive growth, the State government has taken up a number of projects for overall development of all sections of the people, including the tribal communities. Referring to MD TRIFED Pravir Krishna's proposal regarding establishment of new Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK) in Assam, the Chief Minister urged it to take necessary step for setting up 400 such kendras within March next year. The Chief Minister said that he would regularly review the progress to ensure timely completion of the project.
Chief Minister Sarma further said that the State Government would procure the products of the VDVKs at minimum support price to promote local resources, expertise of the tribal people and to expand the reach of tribal products. The Chief Minister also assured support from the State Government to TRIFED on the proposed five Tribal Food parks, named "TRIFOOD" which would give value addition to the tribal food products.
The Chief Minister also directed the concerned State Government department to provide necessary land for the purpose of setting up 7 more Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Assam. At present, construction of five such schools are underway in the State.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda said that the Central government has been extending necessary support for successful implementation of the schemes being taken up for economic development of the tribal people. He said that the Prime Minister accorded top priority to the development of north-eastern region and accordingly the ministry has adopted several initiatives for employment generation and entrepreneurship development among tribal youth. Moreover, he said that the Central government would set up several model villages in Assam in next five years, a press released said.
During the meeting, the Union Minister also handed over the Van Dhan National Award presented to the State brand "TRISSAM" to Chief Minister Sarma.
Munda said that his two-day visit is intended to review the progress of the tribal areas and the schemes implemented for development of the tribal population of the state and the region.
The Minister stated that the key points of the discussion included ways to promote the artefacts and artisans of the tribal areas of Assam, ensuring quality education for the children from these areas, Eklavya Model education, and the overall implementation of the schemes in these areas, PIB added.
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