Govt may relax norms to open new tribal institutes: Virbhadra

The Himachal Pradesh government was contemplating over proposals to open new tribal institutes by relaxing the existing norms, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said here today as he announced to set up a tribal hostel in Nurpur area.
"A drive will be launched to uproot Lantana and other harmful shrubs in the areas inhabited by the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community," Singh said while presiding over a meeting of the Gaddi Kalyan Board.
The state government was committed for equal and balanced upliftment, progress and prosperity of ST community and tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh, he said.
Expressing his special inclination towards the Gaddi community, Singh said the state owes to this community as it had contributed significantly in its development and progress.

"No community should forget its past and stick to its customs, traditions, language and culture. All people should strive collectively for the upliftment of their community so that no section was left out. The educated should work for strengthening the weaker so that the whole community might progress equally.
"The Gaddi community had a rich culture to feel proud of it. The areas dominated by them have been thriving due to its hard work, diligence and sincerity. I wish them to engage themselves in agrarian and related activities including fishery so that they may achieve equal economic independence and prosperity along with other communities," Singh added.