Rana directs speedy execution of tribal welfare projects, optimal utilisation of funds

• Reviews UT CAPEX, DAJGUA, EMRS, hostel projects

JAMMU: Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a review meeting of the Tribal Affairs Department at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, to take stock of the physical and financial progress of ongoing developmental works.

He assessed the implementation of various flagship schemes and welfare initiatives aimed at socio-economic empowerment of tribal communities across Jammu and Kashmir.

Emphasising the need for accelerated execution and result-oriented implementation, the Minister directed the district administrations, departmental officers and executing agencies to step up the pace of developmental works, ensure optimal utilisation of funds and strictly adhere to the prescribed timelines. He stressed that bottlenecks and delays in execution must be identified and resolved promptly to ensure that the benefits of government initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries.

The meeting held an extensive district-wise review of projects and activities being undertaken under the UT CAPEX Budget 2026-27, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and construction of Gujjar and Bakerwal hostels across the Union Territory.

Taking note of the expenditure position, Rana directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to intensify implementation efforts, remove procedural impediments and ensure a substantial improvement in both physical and financial progress. The meeting was informed that approximately 86 per cent of the funds released under DAJGUA had been utilised.

Appreciating the progress, the Minister called for expeditious completion of the remaining works and stressed that the momentum must be sustained across all districts. Rana also undertook a detailed review of the construction, upgradation and development of Eklavya Model Residential Schools and various Gujjar and Bakerwal hostel buildings. Highlighting the importance of educational infrastructure in expanding opportunities for tribal youth, he said that residential educational facilities play a crucial role in ensuring access to quality education, particularly for students from geographically remote and economically disadvantaged communities.

The Minister called for stronger coordination among the district administrations, executing agencies and the Tribal Affairs Department to resolve these issues through a time-bound approach.

The Minister asked the districts to furnish comprehensive details of savings generated during the tendering process and projects or works identified as non-feasible. He said that such information was essential for better financial planning, rational allocation of resources and ensuring that available funds are utilised effectively in accordance with the applicable guidelines.

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, being observed across Jammu and Kashmir from November 1 to 15. The Minister was informed that more than 2,500 activities had been organised or reported across various districts, with participation exceeding 1.05 lakh people, reflecting widespread community engagement in the celebrations.

Rana directed the district administrations to ensure enthusiastic, inclusive and meaningful participation in observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15, commemorating the birth anniversary of the legendary tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Sheetal Nanda; Director, Tribal Affairs, J&K; and other senior officers of the department. Besides, the district heads, sectoral officers and representatives of the concerned executing agencies also participated in the deliberations.