Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo conducted a detailed review of welfare initiatives under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) for tribal development across J&K. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Tribal Affairs Department, JKRLM, NIC, and Deputy Commissioners from all districts via video conferencing.
Dulloo emphasized timely completion of all projects, strict monitoring, and adherence to deadlines. He called for enhanced outreach to tribal communities, including awareness campaigns on legal safeguards and entitlements, and strengthening legal aid services.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the status of educational infrastructure, including Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and tribal hostels, urging their swift completion and operationalisation. Progress on pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, as well as activation of Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells, was also assessed to ensure effective implementation and grievance redressal.
Dulloo further highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (PMVDVY), directing fast-tracking of the MoU with NISBUD for capacity building and establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) across the UT.
Secretary Tribal Affairs Prasanna Ramaswamy reported that over 70% of DA-JGUA expenditure has been achieved, presenting district-wise updates on UT Capex, Tribal Sub-Plan, DA-JGUA, and PM-AAGY schemes. Director Mukhtar Ahmad noted that 16 out of 28 tribal hostels are fully functional, with the remainder nearing operationalisation.
JKRLM Managing Director Subhra Sharma highlighted the role of JKRLM in implementing livelihood and enterprise components of DA-JGUA, including beneficiary mobilisation, training, mentoring, and governance support for VDVKs to ensure long-term sustainability of tribal enterprises.