Shimla: Ravi Thakur, MLA Lahaul-Spiti Assembly Constituency, who has been appointed as Vice Chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), called on Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh here today.

Chief Minister felicitated Ravi Thakur and said that with his appointment at National level, the affairs of the people of tribal areas of the State would be effectively watched and their interests would be better secured.

Virbhadra Singh said that it was a matter of pride for the people of the State, particularly of tribal areas, that a person from Himachal Pradesh has been appointed on such a prestigious position for which they are indebted to the National Congress leadership. He said that the developmental works in tribal areas would be taken better care of.

He said that the State Government was committed for the welfare of tribal areas which is evident from the fact the Rs. 764 crore had been allocated for tribal areas for the year 2013-14.

Ravi Thakur thanked the Chief Minister for his guidance and blessings and said that he would endeavour to come upto the expectations of visionary leadership of Chief Minister.