Shimla, June 9: Himachal Pradesh's tribal leaders on Monday urged the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to expedite the resolution of long-pending issues affecting the state's 17 notified tribal communities during a crucial meeting held at Peterhoff, Shimla.
The meeting, chaired by NCST Chairman Antar Singh Arya, brought together MPs, MLAs and senior government officials to discuss key concerns relating to the welfare and development of tribal areas across the state.
Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, Bharmour-Pangi MLA Dr Janak Raj and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi were among the prominent tribal leaders who pressed the Commission for immediate intervention in issues concerning their respective regions.
Commission members Nirupam Chakma and Dr Asha Lakra, along with senior officials, also attended the meeting.
During the discussions, legislators highlighted concerns related to education, healthcare, road connectivity, employment opportunities, basic infrastructure and the effective implementation of government welfare schemes in tribal areas.
Dr Janak Raj specifically demanded an all-weather road linking the remote Pangi Valley with Chamba district headquarters.
He also sought Scheduled Tribe status for residents of 24 panchayats of Mehla block and for the inhabitants of Ullansa and Hadsar villages.
NCST Chairman Antar Singh Arya assured the participants that the issues raised by public representatives would be examined seriously.
He directed the Himachal Pradesh Government to forward its recommendations on the demands raised so that the Commission could pursue them with the Union Government.
Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Development) Omkar Chand Sharma welcomed the Commission and conducted the proceedings.
Officials informed the meeting that Himachal Pradesh has 17 notified Scheduled Tribe communities, including Bhot/Bodh, Gaddi, Gujjar, Jad, Lamba, Khampa, Kinnaura, Lahaula, Pangwala, Swangla, Beta, Beda, Demba, Gara, Joba and Hatti. As per Census 2011, the state has a tribal population of about 3.92 lakh, accounting for 5.71 per cent of its total population of 68.65 lakh.
The meeting underscored the growing demand from tribal representatives for faster infrastructure development, improved connectivity and the resolution of pending issues that continue to impact some of Himachal Pradesh's most remote and geographically challenging regions.
