Srinagar, June 24: The government has initiated the first enumeration and survey of migratory tribal population in the higher reaches with an aim to formulate a plan for extending benefits to migratory population for their socio-economic upliftment.
The survey would serve as a baseline for allocation of funds for different schemes planned to cover the migratory population.
Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary held a detailed interaction with District Nodal Officers (ADCs), Chief Planning Officers, District Statistics and Planning Officer and other officers from all the districts.
Director Tribal Affairs Musheer Ahmed Mirza, Secretary G&B Advisory Board Mukhtar Ahmed, Joint Director Shama un Ahmed and Anita Sharma were also present.
The Tribal Affairs Department in collaboration with District Administration and District Planning and Statistics organisation has initiated the survey with set deadlines for completion of various stages.
A common format developed for the survey includes details related to migration route, family particulars, educational status, health and animal husbandry facilities, livelihood and skilling requirement among other parameters.
On completion of the survey, the process of digitisation and smart card with complete family details would be initiated.
The smart cards would serve multiple purposes for a range to facilities to be extended to the tribal migratory population.
It was informed that based on the survey a range of different facilities would be provided by the department which include transit facilities, livestock services, healthcare, education, livelihood initiatives, essential services and infrastructure.
The Tribal Affairs Department would provide assistance to migratory nomadic families under various schemes.
The plan also includes capacity building of the nomadic population.
Choudhary said that the survey would cover intra-district, inter-district, inter-province and inter-state.
A list of 14 major migratory routes was discussed in the meeting and district teams were asked to minutely work on the migratory routes and suggest facilities required for the population.
He also asked for active association of PRIs, stakeholders and community representatives for ensuring fool-proof planning and development as an outcome of the survey.
The department has also instituted three awards for best performing districts which would include cash award and medal — gold, bronze and silver.
Meanwhile Chief Planning Officers and Districts Statistics and Evaluation Officers registering best performance would be honoured with cash award of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 with citation and gold , silver and bronze medal.
The CPOs and DSEOs would also conduct a host of studies on tribal culture, art, languages, traditional practices, livelihood measures, education and socio-economic conditions.
The department would provide funds for all such innovative studies and documentaries.
The survey is likely to be completed by 31st July 2021.
The Tribal Affairs Department has earmarked a budget of Rs 3 crore for the first enumeration and survey of nomadic migratory population for providing targeted benefits and assistance to community in a phased manner.
These initiatives include healthcare facilities, livestock health, rights awareness, education, skill development, tribal products marketing and a number of other support initiatives.
The department is also coordinating with districts in Ladakh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh for information on inter-state migration.