New Delhi, 19 February (HS): On the occasion of the 22nd foundation day celebration of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Wednesday said that the Commission has played an important role in the implementation and monitoring of the Forest Rights Act by exercising the powers provided by the Constitution. The Ministry will continue to work together with the Commission for better, dignified life, social justice and overall development of the Scheduled Tribe society.

In his address at the inaugural session of the program held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Oram also discussed the specific initiatives being taken by the Central Government for the Scheduled Tribes community and said that his Ministry is taking specific initiatives like Eklavya Model School, Pre and Post Matric Scholarship, National Overseas Scholarship for the education of Scheduled Tribes. Apart from this, the central government has identified a total of 75 such communities as Specially Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) among the tribal communities across the country under a Specialized Development Plan.

Commission Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel presented the major activities of the Commission, successful cases and brief introduction of the Commission. The Foundation Day program was presided over by Antar Singh Arya, Chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. In his presidential address, he elaborated on the subject of the Commission and said that since assuming office, the present Commission is constantly touring among the Scheduled Tribe communities of the country. The commission is also reviewing various states, districts and public enterprises of the country by making a 100-day action plan while discharging its tasks successfully. He highlighted the work and achievements of the Commission and said that the Commission is constantly striving to protect the rights of Scheduled Tribes and their development.

During this program, Commission member Nirupam Chakma, Dr. Asha Lakda, Jatothu Hussain also shared their experiences and expressed their views in the commission. On this occasion, President of National Commission for Backward Classes Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Member of National Commission for Scheduled Castes Vadepalli Ramchander along with other national commissions presidents, members, secretaries and representatives of Scheduled Tribes communities, students of universities etc. were present. At the end of the program Amit Nirmal, Joint Secretary of the Commission gave vote of thanks.

After the inaugural session, various sessions based on progress, development, skills, entrepreneurship of tribal communities were also organized, in which experts of National Skill Development Corporation, educationists of Delhi University and policy makers shared their views.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar