New hostels, model schools and special scholarship scheme for tribal students

Srinagar : Government has initiated the process for special projects to focus on tribal students’ education which includes establishment of 20 new hostels, model residential schools and special scholarship scheme for students among other key sectors on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The proposals were finalised in J&K Level committee meeting held Friday at Srinagar
Secretary, Tribal Affairs Deptt, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary chaired the meeting which was attended by Special Secretary, Mohammad Harun, Director Tribal Affairs, Mushir Ahmed Mirza, Secretary, Advisory Board, Mukhtar Ahmed, Jt Director Planning Shamaun Ahmed, Deputy Director Dr Abdul Khabir, Nodal Officers, Arshad Hussain and Mukhtar Ahmed among others.
The department approved establishment of 20 new hostels with intake capacity of 3000 students to be started in current financial year for which state land will be provided by respective district administration. The step is aimed at providing quality residential facilities to tribal students enrolled in colleagues and other institutes of higher secondary education. Govt intends to establish 50 new hostels over next two years for tribal students.
The report of committee constituted for devising special scholarship scheme for students enrolled in seasonal centers was also reviewed. The new scheme offer incremental scholarship uptoRs 2400/- replacing the existing slab of Rs 450/- for boys and Rs 675/- for girl students. The new scheme will benefit more than 34000 students in 1200 seasonal educational Centers and will promote education among tribal students. Additional support related to uniform, schools bags, sports material and teaching material was also discussed.
Meanwhile, 10 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools have also been recommended while 6 EMRS are being made operational this month which include one each in Anantnag, Kulgam, Bandipora, Poonch and 2 in Rajouri. Pertinently District EMRS Committee, Anantnag has operationalise the boarding school while other districts are at final stage. Districts have also been asked to provide land for establishment of new EMRS.
Dr Shahid asked the officers for effective coordination with District Administration and sectoral departments to ensure timely start of new projects and implementation of ongoing educational projects including smart schools in a time-bound manner. He also called for active involvement of PRIs at local level for inclusive planning and ensuring convergence.
The meeting deliberated upon various educational support initiatives to promote education at primary level in tribal areas and explains the facilities base to ensure best opportunities to tribal students.