Guwahati: Chief Minister Dr. 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 in a meeting held at State Guest House, Koinadhora in Guwahati on Sunday (September 12).
At the beginning of the meeting, MD TRIFED Pravir Krishna made a detailed presentation of the ongoing programmes and the proposed projects to be implemented in the state.
Chief Minister Dr. Sarma, during the review, said that in tandem with the Prime Minister's vision for inclusive growth, the State government has taken up several projects for the overall development of all sections of the people, including the tribal communities. Referring to MD TRIFED Pravir Krishna's proposal regarding establishing new Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK) in Assam, the Chief Minister urged to take necessary steps to set up 400 such kendras within March next year. The Chief Minister said that he would regularly review the progress to ensure the project's timely completion.
Chief Minister Sarma further said that the State government would procure the products of the VDVKs at minimum support price to promote local resources, the expertise of the tribal people and 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 add value to the tribal food products.
The Chief Minister also directed the concerned state government department to provide necessary land to set up seven more Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Assam. Presently, the construction of five such schools are underway in the state.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, while reviewing the progress of the projects, 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 the northeastern region, and the ministry has adopted several initiatives for employment generation and entrepreneurship development among tribal youth. He informed that the Central government would set up several model villages in Assam in the next five years.
The Union Minister also handed over the Van Dhan National Award presented to the State brand "TRISSAM" to Chief Minister Dr. Sarma during the meeting.
P&RD Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Handloom & Textiles Minister UG Brahma, Environment & Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya and Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu were also present in the review meeting. After the review meeting, union minister Arjun Munda attended the closing ceremony of the 3days long tribal leaders conference. Taking to Twitter, the union minister said, "It was indeed my proud pleasure to have attended the closing ceremony of "Voice of North East" (janajati leaders conference)today as the Chief Guest at Janajati Dharma Sanskriti Suraksha Manch located at Sonapur, Kamrup district, Assam."
