Raipur, December 6, 2024 The Pando tribe, recognized as a particularly vulnerable tribal group in Chhattisgarh, has long faced challenges in accessing basic amenities and government welfare schemes. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, a transformative initiative has been launched in Surajpur district to address these challenges and bring the Pando tribe into the mainstream of development.
Special Camps for Welfare and Development
As part of the Sampoornata Abhiyan, special camps are being organized every Wednesday across the Surajpur district to connect Pando families with essential services and welfare schemes. This initiative, aimed at addressing the developmental needs of this marginalized community, has been a landmark step toward their upliftment.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of inclusive growth, stating that every section of society, regardless of geographical barriers, deserves equal opportunities. Acting on this principle, the district administration has taken steps to ensure the holistic development of the Pando tribe by making government schemes accessible through these camps.
Objectives and Execution of the Camps
The special camps aim to provide 100% coverage of basic amenities and welfare schemes to the Pando community. Scheduled until December 18, 2024, these camps are being held at various village panchayat buildings. Key activities include:
- Surveying families to identify their needs and existing resources.
- Coordinating with relevant departments for timely action and scheme implementation.
- Creating a comprehensive roster to ensure every family in every village is reached.
To ensure effective execution, District Collector S. Jayavardhan has assigned responsibilities to officers from various departments. These officers report progress to the Project Administrator of the Integrated Tribal Development Project, Surajpur, ensuring seamless implementation.
Benefits Delivered Through Special Camps
The camps have facilitated the Pando tribe’s access to a wide range of government schemes and services, including:
- Housing and Basic Infrastructure:
- 184 families received houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
- 82 households electrified.
- 73 homes connected with piped water under the Har Ghar Nal Se Jal initiative.
- Health and Sanitation:
- 496 Ayushman health cards issued.
- 107 women benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.
- 1558 individuals underwent sickle cell anemia testing.
- 72 toilets constructed under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Employment and Livelihood:
- 118 individuals provided with MGNREGA job cards.
- 243 Self-Help Groups formed.
- 16 individuals trained in Van Dhan livelihood initiatives.
- Financial Inclusion and Education:
- 33 families linked with the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
- 278 girls benefited from the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
- 347 families enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
- Miscellaneous Services:
- 322 Aadhaar cards and 393 ration cards issued.
- 116 individuals started receiving pensions.
- 44 youth trained in skill development programs.
Transforming Lives: Testimonials from Beneficiaries
The impact of this initiative has been profound, as expressed by the Pando community:
- Rameshwar Pando, a local resident, shared, “Earlier, we were unaware of government schemes and couldn’t access them. Now, through these camps, we are getting houses, health insurance, and other benefits. Our lives have improved significantly.”
The district administration’s efforts, supported by the state government, have brought tangible changes to the lives of the Pando tribe, making essential services accessible and empowering the community to thrive.
Conclusion
The special camps under the Sampoornata Abhiyan have emerged as a groundbreaking step in addressing the developmental needs of the Pando tribe. By integrating this marginalized community into mainstream society, the initiative not only uplifts the Pando tribe but also exemplifies the state’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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