SIDHARTH RATTAN UPMANYU
Dharmshala 16 Febuary ----The State Government would examine possibility of importing ‘Australian Marino February Rams’ for breed improving purposes by developing a farm. This was stated by Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, while addressing the 12th Gaddi Kalyan Board Meeting held at Dharamshala today. He said that 2,644 rams had been imported by the State during past years for breed improving and import of Austrian Marino Rams would also be considered taking all related aspects into consideration.
Prof. Dhumal said that the State Government would take up the issue relating to restoration of grazing rights to state shepherds on Long Lacha pass with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that it would help the shepherds in carrying forward with their traditional grazing rights in those passes during the summer season.
Chief Minister said that the State Government had endeavoured to give due representation to the community in political and allied fields. He said that the Speaker of HP Legislative Assembly, Industries Minister and Chairman of Woolfed also belonged to Gaddi Community. He said that efforts had also been made to open new vistas to the members of community in other sectors as well.
Prof. Dhumal said that Mukhya Mantri Arogya Pashudhan Yojna was under implementation and the State Government had decided to provide one veterinary dispensary to every gram panchayat in a phased manner. He said that the State Government had launched Atal Awas Yojna and Indira Awas Yojna to provide houses to houseless and a grant of Rs. 48,500 was being sanctioned in each case. He advised the members of the community to take benefit of the same.
Prof. Dhumal said that the State Government was providing support price to the shepherds by fixing the wool price at Rs. 35 per kg. during Summer Season, Rs. 25.50 per kg. during Winter Season and Rs. 55 per kg. during Spring Season. He said that the Wool Federation had been provided Revolving Fund of Rs. 30 lakh to make cash payment on procurement of wool on the spot.
He said that additionally 15 percent handling charges were being paid to Wool Federation under Market Development Assistance Programme. He said that Rs. one crore had been earmarked to train rural women in handicrafts and handlooms for one year and were being paid a stipend of Rs. 950 per month. He said that on successful completion of the training, the trainees were being provided looms and related equipments free of cost, to help them explore possibilities of self employment in the sector. He said that additionally wards of the community were being provided scholarships for studies at school, ITI, college and university. He said that Tribal Hostels had been constructed at Bhuntar in Kullu, Rewalsar in Mandi, Dhalli in Shimla and Chamba to facilitate the stay of the members of the community.
Shri Kishan Kapoor, Industries Minister, welcomed the Chief Minister, and thanked for his concern towards the speedy upliftment of members of Gaddi Community. He said that Bhed Palak Yojna was proving to be a boon to the shepherds in the State with liberal subsidy benefits to them. He said that there was need for publicising the programmes amongst the members of the community so that maximum people were benefited.
Shri Trilok Kapoor, Chairman, Wool fedration, proposed vote of thanks. He expressed his gratitude on behalf of the community for constitution of Welfare Board.
Shri Bhim Sen, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister who also holds the charge of Tribal Development, welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for presiding over the meeting. He conducted proceedings of the meeting and replied to the various quarries raised by the non-official members.
Non-Official Members of the Board also thanked Chief Minister for constitution of the Gaddi Welfare Board thereby providing hem a platform to voice their concerns.
Smt. Rajwant Sandhu, Chief Secretary, Smt. Sarojini G.Thakur, Additional Chief Secretary,
Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Heads of various Departments, Deputy Commissioners and senior officers of various departments were present besides non-official members of the Board.
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