Achievements indicate speeding up of implementation: Governor Shri Patel

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel stated that the achievements of health programmes signify the accelerated pace of their implementation. He emphasized that these successes serve as inspiration to set new records with enthusiasm. He congratulated the Health Department for leading the state in efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) and sickle cell anemia.

Governor Shri Patel was discussing the sickle cell and TB elimination campaigns, as well as the implementation of the PESA Act, with ministers and officials from the relevant departments. Minister for Panchayat, Rural Development, and Labour Shri Prahlad Singh Patel and Minister for Higher Education, AYUSH, and Technical Education Shri Inder Singh Parmar were present on this occasion.

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel emphasized the importance of integrating modern and traditional medical systems in the fight against sickle cell and TB. He called for the involvement of the AYUSH department in treatment and urged parallel studies on the effectiveness of Ayurveda and homeopathy. He stressed creating public awareness about affordable medicines available at Jan Aushadhi Kendras and ensuring their availability for patients and carriers along with screening. Additionally, he highlighted the need for community awareness campaigns on AYUSH diets to support nutrition alongside treatment.

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel emphasized the importance of empowering tribal communities by guiding them on the rights granted to Gram Sabhas under the PESA Act. He called for expanding the formation of new Gram Sabhas and increasing community awareness about their benefits. Facilities and support should be provided to Gram Sabhas, including assistance in tendu leaf marketing. He suggested studying Maharashtra’’s Gram Sabha Fund system to implement a similar funding arrangement in the state. Additionally, he urged efforts to encourage applications for community rights under the Forest Rights Act.

Tribal Cell Chairman Shri Deepak Khandekar, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor Shri K.C. Gupta, Principal Secretary Panchayat and Rural Development Smt. Deepali Rastogi, Principal Secretary Tribal Affairs Shri Gulshan Bamra, Secretary Revenue Smt. Anubha Shrivastava, Additional Secretary to Governor Shri Umashankar Bhargav, Tribal Cell Secretary Smt. Jamuna Bhide and members were present in the meeting.