Tribal Affairs Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana today chaired a meeting of the Department of Tribal Affairs (TAD) at the Civil Secretariat to review the initiative with the aim of furthering the empowerment of tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The objective of the meeting is to review tribal welfare initiatives and the development of projects, schemes and infrastructure for tribal communities during Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Atal Dolu; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary Tade, Secretary Health and Medical Education, Commissioner SMC concerned Deputy Commissioner and other senior officers.
Rana emphasized Omar Abdullah, especially for the tribal population, led the government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice.
He said that the upliftment of dowstroden and backward communities is our collective responsibility. He said that the present government has taken measures to ensure inclusive development and social justice for all, especially the tribal population, he said.
The meeting focused on resolving land-related issues related to hostels for the Gujar-Bekarwal tribe, which are important to provide educational and residential aid to students from these marginalized groups.
Rana asked the secretaries of the concerned departments to establish effective and active coordination mechanisms to carry forward the rapid performance of major infra projects in tribal areas. He instructed the officials concerned that
Regarding the establishment of hostels, the minister was assured that the land has been identified for the establishment of hostels in Srinagar, Jammu and Poonch districts and all issues would be resolved within 10 days. He emphasized that all the Gurjar-Bekarwal hostels should have appropriate buildings with the expected facilities to provide nutrition environment to the students.
The minister also reviewed the progress on the tribal building Jammu and directed the officials concerned to immediately identify the suitable land for its installation, as the funds have already moved to JDA.
While reviewing the Human Resources (HR) management in the TAD, the minister emphasized the need for concrete efforts to fill the administrative efficiency and timely solutions to the issues affecting tribal people.
Rana also paid attention to the deployment of Mobile Medical Units (MMU) in tribal areas, designed to facilitate access to public healthcare, especially for people living in remote and under-surreined areas.
Secretary Health said that six MMUs are ready to be deployed and working on other units.
The minister directed the TAD to use the available manpower and resources judiciously, ensuring transparency, efficiency and timely execution of welfare schemes. He confirmed the government’s commitment to empower tribal communities through better access to education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulu emphasized the importance of advancing programs and policies related to tribal welfare, which ensures their effective implementation at one time.