Udhampur, november 22: The weeklong activities related to celebration of Janjatiya Gourav Divas in the honour of Tribal freedom fighters, organized by District Administration Udhampur, in collaboration with Tribal Affairs Department concluded today with a grand function held at village Charawah of Block Majalta .
The impressive function was organized by Udhampur Administration and attended by District Development Council, Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania; Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur Indu Kanwal Chib; BDC, Chairman, Dina Nath Bhagat; DDC Councillor, Amit Sharma; Regional Director Survey and Land Records, Nawab Din; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Viqar Giri; Assistant Commissioner Development, Mushtaq Choudhary and other senior officers besides PRIs and a large number of Tribal Community members.
DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania highlighted the importance of the day and briefed the participants about the Forest Rights Act.
In her address, the DC congratulated the tribal community members who participated in the programme. The DC said that the main objective of organizing this programme is to create awareness among the common masses about the celebration of Janjatiya Gourav Divas.
The DC also sensitized the Tribal Community members about the Forest Rights Act and said that this act guarantees basic rights to tribal population. The DC asserted upon new generation to work vigorously for strengthening of Tribal status and identity.
Earlier, the representatives of Tribal Community put forth their issues and demands and sought augmentation of water Supply, uninterrupted power supply, Proper Functioning of Mobile schools, repair of Community Hall, establishment of Model village, road connectivity, Construction of Panchayat Ghar at Channi Mansar and play ground etc.
After giving patient hearing, the DC assured them that their genuine demands will be resolved in a phased manner, She asked the officers of the District and Tehsil administration to address the issues at grassroots level.
The DC apprised the participants that Government of India has launched various schemes for the welfare of Tribal Community. She asked the members to come forward and avail the benefits of the schemes meant for their economic development, while urging the concerned officers to create awareness among the community members. The DC made the participants aware about the benefits of ‘Apni Zameen Apni Nigrani’ (Azan) initiative launched by the Centre and UT Government for the welfare of public at large. She appealed to the gathering to avail the benefits of the initiative as it provides easy access to their land record on designated portal.
The Chief Education Officer was asked to hold a meeting with Tribal Community members regarding the Mobile schools, besides Tehsildar Majalta was directed to visit the area and demarcate land for hand pump.
Several speakers viz, BDC, DDC, PRIs highlighted the importance of the day. They added that the Tribal freedom fighters played an important role in the struggle for Independence.
Several theme-based cultural items, songs and poems were presented by students of Gujjar Bakerwal Hostel and local students which were highly applauded by the audience.
Earlier, ACR Udhampur, Viqar Ahmed Giri briefed the participants about the implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006. He briefed in detail the salient features of the Act and the rules including the preamble, the definition of forest dwelling communities, the constitution and functions of the 3 tier system of committees at the district, sub divisional and gram Panchayat level.
Representatives of Tribal Community members expressed their gratitude towards the Prime Minister of India and Lt Governor for implementation of Forest Rights Act in the J&K UT for the benefit of the tribal community.
Later, the DC distributed FRA certificates among the beneficiaries.
