SHIMLA/LEO-NAKO: Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla has assured the tribals living in 55 Vibrant villages in high altitude Himalayan region of Kinnaur that their long standing demands of Nautor land, lack Connectivity and health facilities would be taken to the right forum to resolve them at the earliest.
Interestingly, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has included 55 villages of Kinnaur under the Vibrant village programme.
But Kinnaur Congress MLA and revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi has been an avid and most vocal critic of Modi on the floor of the HP Vidhan Sabha.
Governor placed the long-standing challenges faced by tribal communities in Kinnaur at the forefront during his three-day visit to the district.
As part of his visit, Governor Shukla focused on assessing and addressing the pressing issues that have plagued the lives of the tribal residents of the high-altitude region, particularly those living in 55 villages covered under the Vibrant Village Program.
Tribal communities in Kinnaur have been facing a multitude of problems, with two critical issues standing out prominently - land rights under the Forest Rights Act and the acute lack of connectivity in the region.
These challenges have stifled progress and development, leaving the tribal population in dire need of assistance and support.
Governor Shukla, who received direct instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit these border villages referred to as Vibrant Villages, assured tribal people that their concerns would be elevated to the appropriate forums for resolution.
During his visit to Nako and Leo villages, both under Vibrant Village Program, Governor Shukla engaged with the tribal residents to gain firsthand insight into their struggles.
Governor Shukla said, "55 villages in Kinnaur district have been included in the Vibrant Village Program, where various schemes are being implemented to accelerate development."
Governor Shukla pledged to make every possible effort to tackle the villagers' grievances related to roads and infrastructure.
He also expressed his readiness to facilitate discussions concerning the Nautor land and the Forest Rights Act, provided there are no objections from the High Court.
He visited Leo village, where an exhibition showcasing local produce was organized by Fulsum Khandi and Nirup Self Help Group under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
Deputy Commissioner Kinnaur, Torul Ravish provided insights into the ongoing activities in the region.
Namgyul Kumar, the Pradhan of Leo Gram Panchayat, placed local problems of connectivity, lack land and health facilities faced by tribal communities.
Governor Shukla visited to Nako Lake and got to know about the challenges confronting tribal communities in Kinnaur.
He paid tribute to the resilient culture that has bound these communities together in the face of adversity, lauding the rich cultural heritage of the region.
He also visited the Hangrang Rinchen Buddhist Cultural Heritage Institute and monastery which is protecting and promoting tribal culture of the higher Kinnaur and bought items at the exhibition of local art and crafts. 
Governor was accompanied by his wife Janaki Shukla, Secretary to the Governor Rajesh Sharma, Superintendent of Police Shri Vivek Chahal, and other representatives.
As governor has rounded up his three days long tour, the tribals eagerly await the redressal of their grievances.
They have kept their finger crossed with a hope that governor will act on the promise he has made to the simple tribals who endure frigid climate and adverse weather conditions in the region, and makes their life easier for them.
