- ‘Governor Shri Deka reviews PM Janman Yojana’
Governor Shri Ramen Deka held a review meeting on the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM Janman Yojana) at Lok Bhavan today. Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretary-level officials from various state government departments were present at the meeting. The Governor directed officials to ensure that benefits of schemes aimed at improving the living standards of Specially Backward Tribes reach them on priority.
The meeting reviewed 11 key points under the PM Janman Yojana. Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana approved for Scheduled Tribes, the Governor urged that work in tribal areas be expedited by prioritizing it. He added that schemes related to the living standards, education, and health of Scheduled Tribes should receive top priority.
The Governor also expressed displeasure over the poor condition of roads in tribal areas and directed officials to ensure quality road construction. He urged officials to regularly visit the areas and identify where their departments are best performing under the PM Janman Yojana.
Reviewing health services at the meeting, the Governor directed the launch of a TB eradication campaign in particularly backward tribal areas through mobile medical units and to raise awareness about health and hygiene. He said that with the cooperation of various organizations, the health of tribal communities can be improved by bringing positive changes in their lifestyle.
The Governor informed that an MoU has been signed with AIIMS for eye testing and cataract operations for tribal children. He said that this information should be disseminated to remote areas.
He suggested enlisting the help of Rice Mill Associations and public representatives and using DMF funds to build toilets in tribal areas. He also directed efforts to encourage children to attend school and to adopt innovations to address the drinking water problem.
The Governor stressed on including construction of ponds in the fields of big farmers, fish farming and rain water harvesting in Prime Minister’s houses as pilot projects. He said that this will promote water conservation and water recharge. The meeting also discussed marketing of local products of forest areas through cooperatives, accelerating the construction of Anganwadi buildings and increasing internet facility by installing mobile towers. The Governor directed to expand internet facility in remote areas with the help of private companies. He appreciated the work done by CREDA to illuminate especially backward tribal dominated villages through solar energy.
The Governor also directed a survey of children from particularly backward tribal areas who are studying in schools and, especially, higher education institutions. He said that these students’ actual conditions, needs, and facilities should be assessed to provide them with better opportunities.
The Governor stated that training in skills that are currently in high demand should be provided in Special Backward Tribal Areas. He placed special emphasis on skill development training related to infrastructure and directed officials to prepare a priority list under the PM Janman Yojana. He stated that health should be the top priority, and a detailed survey should be conducted within three months to understand the lifestyle and needs of Special Backward Tribes. He stated that the collective contribution of all departments and related institutions is essential to fulfill the objectives of the PM Janman Yojana. Wherever there are shortcomings, they should be addressed immediately. The Governor also directed that a report on the action taken in the meeting be presented in the next review meeting.
During the meeting, the Governor was presented with a report on the administration of Chhattisgarh’s scheduled areas for the year 2024-25. Additional Chief Secretary for Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Manoj Kumar Pingua, Secretary to the Governor, Dr. C.R. Prasanna, Principal Secretary for Tribal Development, Mr. Sonmani Bora, and secretaries from other departments were present.