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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at JAMMU: The Department of Tribal Affairs (TAD) has issued a rigorous and comprehensive rebuttal to recent reports alleging that 87 per cent of funds allocated for tribal welfare schemes remain unutilised. Terming such assertions as factually incorrect and grossly misleading, the Department clarified that these claims do not reflect the actual financial position or the nuanced nature of public fiscal cycles.
The Department, in its official communique issued in this regard, has clarified that the performance for the 2025–2026 financial year demonstrates a strategic and aggressive approach to tribal development, underpinned by the achievement of 100 per cent utilisation in several key flagship schemes.
To understand the Department's financial health, fund utilisation must be assessed scheme-wise rather than through a distorted aggregate lens. For instance, the Department has already recorded 100 per cent utilisation in critical human-capital initiatives, including the Post-Matric Scholarship for ST students and the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY). These funds have been fully disbursed to eligible beneficiaries, ensuring that educational support and village transformation are delivered directly to the grassroots.
Similarly, the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) has witnessed near-complete utilisation at an impressive 99.85 per cent, reflecting a high level of administrative efficiency and commitment to tribal heritage and research. The Department further addressed the progress of infrastructure and district-level projects, which operate on a phased expenditure model.
Under the UT Capex Budget for Infrastructure for Tribal Welfare, over 59 per cent of expenditure has already been recorded as work progresses on the ground. While the Tribal Sub-Plan currently reflects a 23.52 per cent utilisation rate, this figure is a snapshot of payments currently under active process in district treasuries.
Addressing the specific future-oriented initiatives, the Department clarified the status of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. It is logically flawed to label these funds as "unutilised" when the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has officially indicated that the allocation is scheduled for the first week of April 2026. Criticising the expenditure of funds that have not yet been released highlights the speculative nature of the misleading reports.
The department remains steadfast in its commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities, ensuring that every rupee is managed with transparency, efficiency, and a focus on improved service delivery for the welfare of tribal population.
