Shimla, October 19 (IANS). The Himachal Pradesh government has given impetus to tribal development in the last two-and-a-half years with an investment of over Rs 3,000 crore in the state, government officials said on Sunday. An official statement said the initiative has directly benefited more than 35,000 tribal families through improved infrastructure, improved access to education and healthcare, livelihood generation programs and improved social services. New roads, bridges, residential schools, health facilities and community-based interventions are constantly changing the socio-economic landscape of the state. The tribal area development program is being implemented on a strong financial basis with proposed budget provision of Rs 855 crore in 2022-23, Rs 857.14 crore in 2023-24, Rs 890.28 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 638.723 crore in 2023-25. For major civil works, including roads, bridges, transport infrastructure and public buildings, Rs 290.58 crore has been allocated in 2022-23, Rs 287.99 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 62.92 crore in 2024-25, all of which 061 crore for 2024-25. 2025-2026. Recognizing the challenge of service delivery in high and sparsely populated areas, the state government has strengthened basic public services in remote settlements. Health sub-centres have been upgraded, mobile outreach and referral units have been set up, while drinking water and electricity supply has been made more reliable. The statement says livelihood support linked to horticulture, animal husbandry and value addition of local products has helped to stabilize the income of tribal families. Under the Vibrant Village programme, 75 marginal hamlets have been mapped in Kinnaur, Pooh and Spiti. Development plans have also been prepared to strengthen infrastructure, social services and economic opportunities in the border areas. Work on connectivity, housing and community assets has started in these towns. Priority is also given to the education sector. There are currently 1,008 students studying in four Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Nichar, Bharmour, Pangi and Lahaul, and 150 new students are admitted to the school annually in Class 6. Construction of new school and hostel complexes is underway in Pangi and Lahaul, for which Rs 2 crore and Rs 190 crore have been released respectively. The state government also surpassed its target under the 20-point programme, while the target was to cover 7,502 families in 2022-23 and 8,598 families in 2023-24. Similarly, in 2024-25, 12,663 families have been covered against the target of 6,573 families, which is almost double the target. A target has been set to cover 6,314 families for 2025-26. –IANS SCH
Himachal Pradesh: Sukhu government’s emphasis on tribal development, 35,000 families will benefit.
