- 150 buildings will be completed in the next six monthsInstructions to prepare 1000 nutrition gardens by the month of SeptemberInstructions to start preparations for Tribal Pride Day and State Festival from nowPrincipal Secretary Mr. Bora reviewed the departmental work.
Sonmani Bora, Principal Secretary of the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Caste, Backward Class and Minority Development Department, conducted a detailed review of departmental plans and work on Thursday. He told officials that the department’s goal should not be limited to infrastructure construction, but that providing a safe, sensitive, quality, and inspiring environment for students should be a top priority.
During the review meeting, Principal Secretary Mr. Bora stated that it is a matter of pride that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai, 450 new ashram and hostel buildings will be constructed in the state by 2027. This will provide better residential and educational facilities to millions of students from remote and tribal areas. He directed officials to complete the construction of 150 ashram and hostel buildings within the next six months so that students can benefit from modern facilities in a timely manner. He also directed the completion of approximately 1,000 nutrition gardens (Poshan Vatika Upvan) in ashram and hostels by September. The departmental review discussed the progress of various schemes, including infrastructure construction and hostel operation, in detail. He expressed displeasure over the slow progress in construction.
In the meeting, the Principal Secretary gave top priority to the quality of running of hostels and ashrams and directed to organize special training programs for all hostel and ashram superintendents. In these trainings, priority will be given especially to the newly appointed superintendents, so that they can develop a sensitive and responsible working style towards the students from the very beginning of their service. He said that training should not be a mere administrative formality but should become a medium for personality development and behavior change. For this, at least two eminent motivational speakers should be invited in the training program, who will guide the superintendents on leadership ability, positive thinking, communication skills and humane behavior with the students.
- There is no compromise on the safety and dignity of girl students.
Principal Secretary Mr. Bora stated at the meeting that the safety, respect, health, and education of female students living in hostels should be a top priority. He also suggested that superintendents be trained to treat female students with sensitivity and respect during their training. He also urged them to take seriously the responsibility of providing health, nutrition, sanitation, mental health, counseling, and a safe environment.
- Special training will also be provided on cooking and nutrition.
The review meeting also placed special emphasis on the quality of food in the hostels. The Principal Secretary directed that special sessions on cooking and nutrition be organized during the training program. Superintendents and staff involved in the food system should be trained on preparing balanced and nutritious menus appropriate to the season, so that students can receive nutritious meals based on locally available food items and positively improve their health.
- Instructions to start preparations for Tribal Pride Day and State Festival from now
Reviewing cultural activities at the meeting, Principal Secretary Mr. Bora directed that preparations for Tribal Pride Day, State Festival, and other major events begin now. He said that the department should provide regular training for dance troupes and other cultural groups, so that the state’s rich tribal culture and traditions can be effectively showcased at national-level events.
- Special focus will be on quality, timeliness and sensitivity
During the review, Principal Secretary Mr. Bora clarified that the ultimate objective of all the department’s schemes is to provide quality services to the weaker sections of society. To achieve this, equal attention should be paid to all aspects such as infrastructure construction, hostel operation, training, education, nutrition, and cultural development. He directed officials to regularly monitor all construction work.
On this occasion, Dr. Jagdish Sonkar, MD of Self-Employed Finance and Development Corporation, Shri D. Rahul Venkat, Commissioner of Tribal Development Department, Mrs. Hina Animesh Netam, Director of TRTI, Shri B.K. Rajput and Shri Anupam Trivedi, Additional Director Shri Sanjay Gaur and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.
