Assam to have 400 Van DhanVikas Kendras, 5 tribal food parks and 7 Eklavya Model Residential Schools

At the beginning of the meeting, MD TRIFED Pravir Krishna made a detailed presentation on the ongoing programmes and the proposed projects to be implemented in the state.

Chief Minister Dr Sarma during the review said that in tandem with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an inclusive growth, the state government has taken up a number of projects for overall development of all sections of the people including the tribal communities.

Referring to MD TRIFED Pravir Krishna’s proposal regarding establishment of new Van DhanVikas Kendras (VDVK) in Assam, the Chief Minister urged to take necessary steps for setting up 400 such kendras within March next year. The Chief Minister said that he would regularly review the progress to ensure timely completion of the project.

Sarma further said that the state government would procure the products of the VDVKs at a minimum support price to promote local resources, expertise of the tribal people and to expand the reach of tribal products.

The Chief Minister also assured support from the state government to TRIFED on the proposed five Tribal Food parks, named “TRIFOOD” which would give value addition to the tribal food products.

The Chief Minister also directed the concerned state government department to provide necessary land for the purpose of setting up seven more Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Assam. Presently, construction of five such schools are underway in the State.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda while reviewing the progress of the projects said that the central government has been extending necessary support for successful implementation of the schemes being taken up for economic development of the tribal people.

He said that the Prime Minister accorded top priority to the development of the north eastern region and accordingly the ministry has adopted several initiatives for employment generation and entrepreneurship development among tribal youth. Moreover, he informed that the Central government would set up several model villages in Assam in the next five years.

During the meeting, the Union Minister also handed over the Van Dhan National Award presented to the State brand "TRISSAM" to Chief Minister Dr.Sarma.

P&RD Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Handloom & Textiles Minister UG Brahma, Environment & Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya and Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu, Principal Secretary to CM Samir Kumar Sinha and other senior officials of the Central and State government were present in the meeting.