Governor Mangubhai Patel has said that efforts to increase awareness among scheduled castes and tribes are necessary. Information regarding the welfare schemes of the Government should be given in the gram sabhas. He said that positive thinking and sensitive behavior are necessary for effective implementation of beneficiary oriented schemes. The goal should be that not a single eligible person is deprived of the benefits of the scheme.

Patel was addressing a meeting organized in connection with Scheduled Castes and Tribes at Raj Bhavan today. Forest Minister Shri Kunwar Vijay Shah and Tribal Affairs, Scheduled Castes Welfare Minister Meena Singh Mandve were also present.

Patel said that it is necessary to pay special attention to the basic needs of the society in the development efforts of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He said that arrangements should be made for training to upgrade skills of youth in the society, as per employment prospects in local industries and business. Efforts must be made to give priority to the local people in employment. He stressed on making efforts along with the participation of Gram Sabhas in the speedy disposal of pending cases under Forest Rights Act. Village elders should also be included in the Gram Sabha.

Seeking information from the Forest Department about the plantation work done by them, he said that after getting the soil tested, sapling should be planted accordingly. Efforts should be made to plant bigger plants to increase the survival of the seedlings. Referring to the bamboos of Orissa, he has also asked to explore the possibilities of their production in the state.

Principal Secretary Forest Ashok Barnwal informed about the activities of the department. He informed that the total forest area of ??the state has increased by 1,469 square kilometers during the year 2005 to 2019 according to an assessment of Forest Survey of India, Dehradun. Principal Secretary Tribal Welfare and Scheduled Castes Welfare Pallavi Jain Govil informed that an initiative has been started to provide employment in various works, related to tourism industry in coordination with the Tourism Department, by imparting training to the local youth. Additional Secretary to Governor Manoj Khatri, Commissioner Scheduled Tribes Affairs Sanjeev Singh and Director Tribal Area Development and Planning Shailbala Martin were also present.