Dehradun: Preparations for MoU between ITBP and Uttarakhand Co-operative Federation have been completed regarding supply of sheep, goats, poultry and trout fish for meat through more than 4000 local farmers/animal keepers of villages of border districts Champawat, Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh at all ITBP posts located in Uttarakhand.
With the objective of development in inaccessible and remote areas, promoting re-migration in border areas and preventing migration and ensuring quality food items to the soldiers, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi has given instructions to complete this MoU soon by completing all the formalities. Describing the said MoU as an effective initiative for the Vibrant Village Program, CS Raturi said that this will encourage economic activities in the border areas as well as promote local breeds of animals and livestock, speed up employment opportunities for the border population and encourage Vocal for Local.
Chief Secretary Radha Raturi said that with this initiative of ITBP and Uttarakhand Government, livestock schemes in the state will reach the ground level. In the meeting, ITBP proposed to provide the services of its veterinarians in the border areas of the state, on which the Chief Secretary has given instructions to arrange medical mobile vans for animals under the CSR fund. Regarding the skill development program in the tourism sector proposed by ITBP, the Chief Secretary has given instructions to hold a meeting with the Tourism Department on this subject.
Chief Secretary Radha Raturi said that this MoU between ITBP and Uttarakhand Cooperative Federation will also open the way to work in this field with other equivalent military organizations like SSB, Army etc. This MoU will ensure the availability of fresh food items from the plains to the ITBP in a short time without any hindrance throughout the year, along with strengthening the supply chain in the border areas, providing fair prices to the farmers and direct supply from the farmers.
To implement the MoU, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi has instructed the Uttarakhand Cooperative Federation to operate it on a sustainable mode in future while discussing the revolving fund, marketing fund and administrative expenses. Secretary Dilip Jawalkar, Dr. B V R C Purushottam, IG ITBP Sanjay Gunjyal along with officials of Cooperation, Finance, ITBP were present in the meeting.
