J&K admin completes 29 cluster tribal model villages

Srinagar, Dec 30: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has successfully completed the construction of 29 Cluster Tribal Model Villages across various districts, each with a project cost of Rs. 1000 lakhs, under the Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS).
A senior official from the administration told Rising Kashmir that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to uplift tribal communities by providing them with modern infrastructure and amenities.
He said under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), the administration is actively working on the phased development of 335 villages up to the financial year 2025-26.
“Two Milk Villages at Argi Rajouri and Sangerwani Pulwama, with a project cost of Rs. 400.00 lakhs each, and eight more Milk Villages, estimated at Rs. 80.00 lakhs each, are currently in the process of establishment,” the senior official said.
The administration has allocated Rs. 226.77 lakhs for enhancing basic facilities such as lanes, drains, road connectivity, pathways, and community toilets in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the commitment to tribal education, the official said that the Tribal Welfare Department runs an extensive network of educational institutions and hostels, providing a conducive environment for academic growth.
“These institutions, from primary to secondary/post-secondary levels, are residential in nature, with all education and boarding expenses covered by the government. The initiative aims to overcome challenges like weak educational infrastructure, poverty, linguistic barriers, and remoteness faced by tribal children,” he said.
The official further emphasized the success of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), with six schools established at Salia (Anantnag), Tangmarg (Kulgam), Behra (Poonch), Gurdan Bala (Rajouri), Koteranka (Rajouri), and Gurez Bandipora. Each school has a capacity for 240 boys and 240 girls.
Under the Comprehensive Tribal Development Program, 17 Scheduled Tribe (ST) Hostels have been initiated, with six completed and inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor and the union minister in Shopian and Poonch. The total expenditure for these initiatives stands at Rs. 3289.27 lakhs.
With the operationalization of six new Tribal Hostels, he said that UT of Jammu and Kashmir currently hosts 31 hostels (24 boys’ hostels and 7 girls’ hostels), accommodating 3095 tribal students.
“These students are provided with free boarding, lodging, diet, and other essential facilities, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to nurturing the educational aspirations of tribal youth,” he added.
Earlier this month, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary of Tribal Affairs and CEO of Mission Youth conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing developmental projects aimed at tribal welfare. It focused on assessing the progress and formulating a strategic roadmap for the implementation of new schemes and projects in tribal villages.
During the review, Secretary Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary underscored the proactive measures taken by the Union Territory government, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in empowering and advancing the welfare of the tribal population.
He urged the concerned departments to collaborate on concerted efforts to develop 85 villages with a substantial tribal population. Funding for these initiatives has been secured from both the Central and UT Governments, with funds already released for 32 villages.