J&K govt to extend Scheme Benefits to Migratory Tribal population

Jammu, May 29 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Tribal Affairs Department in collaboration with District Administration and Department of Census has initiated the process of survey and enumeration of migratory tribal population for extending benefits of various schemes and targeted development of community.
The department has approached Principal District Census Officers (Deputy Commissioners) for appointment of Nodal Officers. Many districts have appointed nodal officers and constituted survey teams.
A budget of Rs 3 Cr has been earmarked for comprehensive survey of both nomadic populations and various under-developed tribal pockets in Jammu and Kashmir.
Secretary to Government, Tribal Affairs Department Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Saturday informed that J&K Government is initiating a series of welfare measures for migratory population with focus on education, health, livelihood, convenience of migration, improvement in livestock farming practices and their capacity building for implementation of The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights Act) among many other initiatives.
The first survey to be conducted through the next three months will be followed by complete documentation and issuance of smart cards containing all details.
The Tribal Affairs Department has envisaged a series of measures for welfare of the migratory tribal population beginning this year.
In this regard, a survey of migratory population at the arrival end i.e. Highland Pastures is being conducted to ascertain the complete details of families enabling the department to extend required developmental, Livelihood and welfare support starting the current financial year.
Separately, details of village wise tribal population along with their socio-economic and educational status have also been sought by the department from Deputy Commissioners for better planning of schemes aimed at their targeted development.
The survey will cover intra-district, inter-district, inter-province and inter-state migration of nomadic population which largely includes Gujjars and Bakkerwals while in some districts Gaddis, Sippis and other tribes also migrate.
The first step after the completion of survey is aimed to be initiating measures for strengthening migratory schools, establishment of hostels, new residential schools apart from other interventions proposed in health , Livelihood and livestock husbandry sector.
The Tribal Affairs Department is coordinating with the Department of Census for technical support, meanwhile district planning offices have also been approached for mentoring and supervision of field exercise.