Modalities finalised for Smart Cards to Transhumant tribal population

JAMMU : Tribal Affairs Department in coordination with J&K Police, Forest Department and Census Operations Department finalised the modalities for Smart Cards to be provided to Transhumant tribal families for hassle-free movement during migration and access to various services.

The meeting to finalise the design and contents of the Smart Cards was chaired by Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary. A detailed presentation was made about the survey of migratory population and planned interventions in various sectors.

Director, Census Operations, G Prasanna Ramaswamy, Chief Conservator of Forests, Samuel Chankija, Director Tribal Affairs Mushir Ahmed Mirza, Secretary, Advisory Board, Mukhtar Ahmed, Superintendent of Police, Hafizullah, Jt Director Planning Shama un Ahmed, OSD Dr Abdul Khabir and other senior officers and members of the UT level Committee attended the meeting.

The Smart Cards are planned to replace the multiple permissions regime and offer a unified central database to all the organisations and agencies for smooth and hassle-free movement of Transhumant families during the biannual vertical migration. Embedded with chip containing the demographic details, transit routes, originating place, destination and other vital statistics these Smart Cards will end the process of multiple permissions. These cards will also be utilised for various government services rolled out of migratory population and will be issued based on the survey conducted by the department last year.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Samuel Chankija discussed that in view if implementing of The Scheduled Tribes and OTFD (Recognition of Rights) Act the forest department is endeavouring for a hassle free process and suggested multiple card issuance points. Access will also be provided to forest deptt for monitoring the process and also surveys related to management of rangelands.

The suggestion made by Police department for mapping of respective police stations was also included in the process. Access will also be provided to all the police stations enabling real-time updation of demographic details whenever required by the family. Android devices and card readers will be provided to all nakas and posts of both police and forest Department for smooth movement of families.

Director, Census Operations J&K discussed coordination with Tribal Affairs Department for coverage of all the Dhoks (high land pastures) in the Census to avoid missing of any families or members. The 1st Survey of Transhumant Population conducted by the Tribal Affairs Department will also be referred as a source for planning the census Operations.

The Tribal Research Institute, established as an autonomous body in the Tribal Affairs Department, will coordinate for preparedness of various plans in this regards. A pilot project of 10,000 Smart Cards will be rolled out in March to be followed by steps for coverage of nearly one lakh migratory families. Aadhar linkage is also being enabled for benefits of various schemes.