Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: In an important initiative aimed at empowering tribal communities and promoting inclusive growth, Javed Ahmed Rana, the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, has sanctioned a pivotal departmental proposal for the inclusion of recently notified tribes in Jammu and Kashmir under various welfare schemes for tribal communities.
The Minister instructed the Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Department, Prasanna Ramaswamy G, along with Director, Tribal Affairs J&K, Ghulam Rasool, and other senior officials, to prioritize the acceleration of initiatives aimed at socio-economic empowerment for the tribal populace in J&K.
He approved an expansion of the Dharti Aaba Mission, which is a flagship program designed to enhance the living standards in tribal-majority villages. This proposal, soon to be submitted to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), aims to encompass 20 districts, 112 blocks, and 393 villages recognized in J&K.
Furthermore, 676 new villages, coupled with 204 villages from aspirational districts such as Baramulla and Kupwara, have been earmarked for inclusion, raising the total count of tribal villages under this mission to 880. The Dharti Aaba Mission will focus on critical areas like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood development.
The Minister highlighted the necessity of including newly acknowledged tribal communities in welfare programs. With the recent amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Tribes Order, 2024, tribes like the Pahari Ethnic community, Gadda Brahmin, Koli, and Paddari have been added to the Scheduled Tribes list, effectively doubling the tribal population in J&K to around 30 lakh, accounting for 11.9 percent of the total population of J&K.
These newly recognized tribes will have immediate access to essential programs such as Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, and the Dharti Aaba scheme for livelihood assistance.
Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) will extend its reach to tribal villages, concentrating on comprehensive development with a focus on improving fundamental amenities and socio-economic metrics. A detailed socio-economic survey is also being planned to identify specific challenges and needs within tribal communities to ensure that interventions are both targeted and effective.
To bolster the tribal economy further, emphasis is being placed on self-employment schemes like Van Dhan Vikas Kendras. These initiatives will provide tribal artisans and entrepreneurs with skills training, financial assistance, and market access to promote their traditional crafts and products.
The Tribal Affairs Department has devised a detailed proposal to broaden the scope of tribal villages, selecting them based on clear criteria—such as a minimum population of 500, with at least 50% belonging to Scheduled Tribes. For example, Baramulla district is set to include 43 new villages along with 54 from aspirational districts, while Kupwara will incorporate 50 new villages and 150 aspirational district villages, establishing them as key areas for tribal development.
Emphasizing the need for a strong monitoring framework to oversee the execution of tribal welfare initiatives, Rana called for routine assessments to guarantee transparency, accountability, and timely distribution of benefits.
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