Srinagar, Jan 6:Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, chaired an interactive session with tribal leaders, artists, writers, poets, and social activists from Kashmir division to discuss tribal welfare and inclusive governance.

The session focused on capturing community insights to shape government policies for education, livelihood, cultural preservation, and forest rights. Minister Rana emphasized quality education through upgraded hostels and Eklavya Model Residential Schools, timely scholarships, and exposure programmes for tribal students.
He highlighted livelihood initiatives such as eco-tourism through tribal homestays, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and promotion of self-reliant entrepreneurship while maintaining ecological balance. Cultural preservation, including documentation of tribal languages, history, art, and oral traditions, was underscored as central to strengthening tribal identity.
Minister Rana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the Forest Rights Act and coordinating welfare schemes like PM Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana, Capex Budget, SCA to TSS, DA-JGUA, and PM Van Dhan Yojana.
The session was attended by MLA Kokernag Zaffar Khatana, DDC Chairperson Mohammad Yousuf Kohli, Vice Chairperson Nazir Choudhary, and officials from the Tribal Affairs Department. Key demands raised included upgrading facilities in tribal areas, streamlining forest clearances, and promoting tribal languages and culture. The Minister directed officers to ensure timely resolution of the issues.