THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 23: Tribal Welfare Minister Chamra Linda has directed the Gumla district administration to blacklist contractors supplying substandard rations, school bags, and shoes to schools run by the welfare department.
During a recent visit to various schools in Gumla district, Linda found that the supplied rations and school materials did not meet the standards outlined in the tender issued by the District Welfare Office. Taking strict action, he instructed the administration to halt payments to the guilty contractors and blacklist them.
In a meeting with Tribal Welfare Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha, the minister also highlighted issues in Gumla schools where food did not adhere to the prescribed menu, and milk and fruits were not being supplied. Following this, the Commissioner directed the District Welfare Officer to investigate and provide an explanation within three days.
Action Plan for Improved Welfare Services
The minister emphasized the need for a robust action plan to improve welfare schemes in the future. He urged the team to work with full dedication for the upliftment of tribals, Dalits, and backward classes, striving to meet welfare goals that foster peace and progress.
Ensuring 100% Benefit Delivery of Welfare Schemes
Chamra Linda reviewed several key welfare schemes in the meeting and issued specific guidelines to the Tribal Welfare Commissioner. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all state-run schemes for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) are implemented with commitment so that 100% of the benefits reach eligible beneficiaries.
He further remarked that under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the government is dedicated to the holistic development of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Backward Classes in the state.
Approval for Rs 157 Crore Post-Matric Scholarship Proposal
The minister approved a proposal to release Rs 157 crore for the pending post-matric scholarships for the 2023-24 session, directing that it be sent to the Finance Department for further processing. He also instructed headquarters and regional officers to conduct field visits every Friday and Saturday to ensure ongoing projects meet quality standards.
Linda called for strict action against individuals found negligent in executing tribal welfare schemes. He proposed plans to provide quality coaching facilities for tribal, Scheduled Caste, and backward-class students in Ranchi and Delhi. Additionally, he emphasized the need to establish telemedicine facilities in remote and inaccessible areas.
Call for a Tribal Health Atlas
The minister underlined the importance of welfare schemes for tribal education and health. He suggested preparing a Tribal Health Atlas for the entire state to help devise better health plans for tribal communities. He assured that treatment facilities for sickle cell anaemia would be fully restored in rural welfare hospitals.
Linda also proposed organizing “exposure visits” for students of welfare department-run schools, both within the state and across the country. He directed that scholarships for the 2024-25 academic session should be distributed by March 2025, depending on the availability of funds.
Completion of Cycle Distribution by 2025-26
For the 2025-26 academic session, the minister instructed those scholarships to be distributed by August- September, ensuring timely benefit delivery. He also called for completing cycle distribution alongside student enrolment, allowing children to use the cycles for the entire session.
