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  • Stresses research on tribal languages, culture, historical legacy

JAMMU: Minister for Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana today directed the Project Management Unit (PMU) established under the department to serve as the nodal body for monitoring and coordinating tribal welfare programmes across Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring effective implementation.

The Minister, while speaking at a meeting held with the Project Management Unit, exhorted upon them to function as the institutional backbone for monitoring and coordination of all tribal welfare programmes across the Union Territory.

The meeting focused on strengthening the monitoring and reporting mechanisms of the department so that implementation of various tribal welfare initiatives is tracked in a systematic and time-bound manner.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Director Tribal Affairs Jammu and Nodal Officer, Tribal Research Institute (TRI) J&K, Dr. Abdul Khabir, officials of PMU and other officers.

During the interaction, the Minister held detailed deliberations with the PMU team regarding their role in strengthening the monitoring framework of the department and ensuring better coordination between the department and district level institutions implementing various tribal welfare schemes.

The Minister emphasised that the PMU must function as a professional support system to the department and assist in building a strong Management Information System for real-time monitoring of schemes and programmes meant for tribal communities. He directed the PMU to broaden the scope of research with in-depth exploration of key tribal development issues, including documentation and study of tribal languages, culture and history. He emphasised the need to undertake time-bound studies and focus on target-specific interventions to ensure effective planning and implementation of welfare initiatives.

He said the PMU should work closely with the district administrations and field level officers to collect accurate data regarding implementation of schemes such as scholarship programmes, livelihood initiatives, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, tribal hostels and other development interventions being implemented for the welfare of tribal communities.

Rana directed the PMU to put in place a clear mechanism for tracking progress of schemes on a regular basis and preparing periodic analytical reports for the department. These reports, he said, should highlight the status of implementation, identify bottlenecks and provide practical recommendations so that timely corrective action can be taken wherever required.

He further asked the PMU to support the department in documentation of field level experiences, good practices and success stories emerging from tribal areas. Such documentation, he said, would help in improving policy design and sharing successful models across different regions of the Union Territory.

He called upon the PMU team to work with dedication and professionalism so that the Tribal Affairs Department is able to deliver measurable and visible outcome on the ground. He said that the ultimate objective of the department must be to ensure that development initiatives reach the last tribal household in the remotest village. The department must ensure long term empowerment and dignity of tribal populace.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here