By TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th November 2024: Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das today urged department officials to actively communicate the benefits of various Central and State Government schemes to students and the Scheduled Caste community.
Minister Das made these remarks following a review meeting of the SC Welfare Department.
“The officials and employees of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department should take a leading role in properly conveying the benefits of the schemes and services undertaken by the Central and State Governments to the students and people of the Scheduled Caste community. Only then will the development of Scheduled Caste communities be accelerated,” he stated.
During the review meeting, the Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the proper implementation of welfare projects aimed at uplifting the Scheduled Caste community. “In addition to reviewing the programs undertaken by the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department in the financial year 2024-25, the department should prioritize the execution of the action plan for the next financial year. It is crucial to assess whether the various projects and services are effectively reaching the people and students within the community,” he said.
In the same meeting, Department Secretary Deepa D Nair called for cooperation from all stakeholders to effectively implement the department’s projects and services. The department’s director, Jayanta Dey, presented an overview of current projects through a PowerPoint presentation. He noted that Rs. 159.51 lakh had been allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana for initiatives in 32 SC-dominated villages across 8 districts, covering areas such as drinking water, electricity expansion, road repair, and Anganwadi center renovations.
“This year, we aim to provide pre-matric scholarships to 8,700 SC students in classes 9 and 10, with 3,220 applications submitted so far. The scheme also aims to benefit 23,300 SC students from class XI to the university level, with 5,086 applications received to date. Additionally, 540 students in classes 1 to 10 whose parents are engaged in unsanitary work will receive a pre-matric scholarship. Under the Dr. BR Ambedkar Memorial Merit Award, 4,666 students have been recognized, while 6 out of 10 students received the Dr. BR Ambedkar Special Merit Award,” he added.
This year, 190 unemployed youth across 8 districts have been targeted for skill development training in motor driving, mobile repair, beauty services, and computer skills. A total of 121 teachers have also been appointed to cover core subjects in various hostels.
The meeting was attended by Joint Director Bhaswar Bhattacharya, Deputy Director Pradeep Reang, District Welfare Officers, Sub-Divisional Welfare Officers, and other officials.
