CS reviews of tribal welfare initiatives under DA-JGUA scheme

Jammu :Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Tuesday conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of welfare initiatives being undertaken by the Tribal Affairs Department under the Dharti AabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) for the upliftment of the tribal population across J&K.
The review meeting besides Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department; was also attended by Managing Director, JKRLM; Director General, Codes; Director General, Resources; Deputy Director General, NIC; Director, Tribal Affairs Department (TAD), besides other concerned senior officers.
Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
During the review, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of timely completion of projects under the DA-JGUA scheme, urging Deputy Commissioners to provide district-wise updates on both ongoing and upcoming projects. He highlighted the necessity for strict monitoring to achieve tangible outcomes within stipulated timelines. The Chief Secretary also stressed the need for enhanced outreach activities to raise awareness among tribal communities regarding their legal rights and entitlements. He recommended that the Department develop a comprehensive awareness campaign and improve the provision of legal aid for those in need within the tribal community. In terms of educational infrastructure, the Chief Secretary reviewed the establishment and operation of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and tribal hostels, calling for their swift completion to improve access to quality education for tribal students. He also examined the status of pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for tribal students and urged the prompt activation of Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells in each district to ensure effective implementation and timely resolution of issues faced by these communities. Additionally, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (PMVDVY), particularly focusing on the training of tribal members for livelihood enhancement. He directed the Department to expedite the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding with NISBUD, Noida, to facilitate capacity building and the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) across the Union Territory. Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Department, Prasanna Ramaswamy G, reported that over 70 percent of the budget has been utilized under the DA-JGUA scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, providing a detailed performance overview of various welfare programs. Director Mukhtar Ahmad noted that out of 28 tribal hostels, 16 are fully operational, while efforts are underway to make the remaining hostels functional. Managing Director of JKRLM, Subhra Sharma, highlighted the organization’s critical role in implementing livelihood and enterprise components of the DA-JGUA scheme. JKRLM is actively involved in mobilizing Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries, providing training and support, and ensuring the sustainability of tribal enterprises through effective governance and financial management.