JAMMU, Jan 18: The Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, held a meeting today to assess the ongoing welfare programs aimed at supporting tribal communities.
The discussion was centered on expediting outstanding proposals, optimizing resources, and ensuring the swift implementation of current developmental initiatives.
The Minister urged officials to hasten the approval process for pending applications under the Dharti Aaba scheme, which is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment in tribal regions. Specific deadlines were established to guarantee that the scheme’s advantages are effectively delivered to the targeted beneficiaries.
Officials provided insights into the utilization of the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budget, especially concerning infrastructure development such as schools, healthcare facilities, roads, and digital connectivity in tribal areas.
The Minister emphasized the importance of completing delayed projects promptly to maximize their benefits. He also conducted an in-depth review of the progress made in the Cluster Tribal Model Villages (CTMVs) and Milk Villages initiatives, which aim to promote self-sufficiency and generate livelihoods through agriculture and dairy farming. Furthermore, he evaluated the implementation status of the Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), a major initiative designed for the holistic development of tribal villages. He highlighted the necessity of focusing on essential sectors like education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure to fulfill the program’s aims.
During the meeting, the Minister examined the status of pending scholarship applications for tribal students and instructed officers to expedite the clearance of backlogs. He underscored the critical nature of providing timely financial assistance to ensure that students can continue their education without disruption. The discussion also covered NGO grants and proposals submitted via the dedicated portal. He urged for improved transparency and efficiency in processing these submissions, emphasizing the need to prioritize projects that align with the government’s tribal welfare objectives.
Additionally, discussions included preparations for an upcoming wool workshop in partnership with TRIFED, designed to empower tribal artisans through training, skill development, and market access, enabling them to showcase their crafts on both national and international platforms.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister highlighted the significance of thorough planning, consistent monitoring, and accountability in executing all initiatives. He reiterated the government’s dedication to uplifting tribal communities and ensuring that the benefits of these welfare programs reach the grassroots effectively.
Among those present at the meeting were Secretary in the Tribal Affairs Department, Harun Malik, Director Tribal Affairs, Ghulam Rasool, Director Finance, Iftakhar Chouhan, Joint Director Planning, Abdul Khaliq Bhatti, Deputy Secretary Tribal Affairs, Dr. Abdul Khabir, and other senior department officials.
