The Cooperation Department gave seven Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) a grant-in-aid of Rs. 51.76 lakh to strengthen Sikkim’s tribal populations. The Hon’ble Minister of Cooperation and Rural Development, Arun Kumar Upreti, presided over the event, which was place at Sahakari Bhawan in Tadong. Senior officials in attendance included the Secretary, Principal Registrar, Registrar, Additional Registrar, and other important staff.
The PM Van Dhan Yojana (PM VDY) was inaugurated by Gloria Namchu, Secretary of the Cooperation Department, who also emphasized the program’s vital role in improving tribal populations’ livelihood chances. According to her, 80 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been set up throughout Sikkim, 77 of which have already been awarded operational funds. About 300 members per cluster will benefit from the program’s assistance of the establishment of 14 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and one Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (MPCS) in each VDVK.
Lingchom Tinga, Sakyong Pentong, Tingvong, and Tingchim Chadey in Mangan District; Sardong Lungchik in Gyalshing District; Buraikhop in Soreng District; and Chuba Perbing in Namchi District are among the seven Van Dhan Kendras that were awarded the grant-in-aid this time around. A total of Rs. 51,76,350 was disbursed to these centers. An educational IEC film about the PM VDY scheme was also shown throughout the event, giving attendees a better understanding of the advantages and effects of the program. The program’s beneficial effects on the indigenous populations, especially in regions involving forest products, were commended by Minister Upreti.