SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Rehabilitation Council for Orphans, Women and Disabled Persons has approved proposals worth ₹12.95 crore for the procurement of motorised tricycles for specially-abled persons and reviewed plans to expand youth exposure programmes for children from vulnerable sections.
The decisions were taken at the 12th Executive Council meeting of the Rehabilitation Council chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday.
The meeting reviewed the council’s performance during the previous financial year and discussed its action plan for 2026-27. Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Social Welfare, Director General Budget and the Executive Director of the council were among those present.
A major agenda item was the distribution of retrofitted motorised tricycles to eligible orthopedically disabled persons across Jammu and Kashmir. The scheme prioritises students, women students, artisans and small vendors holding Priority Household (PHH) ration cards and having at least 40 per cent locomotor disability.
Officials informed the meeting that during 2025-26, ₹11.05 crore was released under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Budget for procurement of around 1,284 motorised tricycles through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The procurement was part of an approved proposal worth ₹13 crore, with each unit costing about ₹86,000.
For 2026-27, the council approved a proposal worth ₹12.95 crore for procurement of approximately 1,500 additional motorised tricycles. An initial instalment of ₹4 crore has already been released after completion of the required formalities.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Ministry of Home Affairs-funded ‘Watan Ko Jano’ Youth Exchange Programme, which aims to provide children from vulnerable and economically weaker sections with exposure to different parts of the country.
Officials said around 250 children from economically weaker families, including residents of Palash and Parisha Homes and students of government schools, visited Lucknow and New Delhi in April this year. The group, accompanied by 23 coordinators, also interacted with the President and Vice President of India during the tour.
The council was informed that another 400 children would be taken on exposure visits during 2026-27 in two phases covering the Mumbai-New Delhi and Jaipur-New Delhi circuits. Funding for the programme has already been secured from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Dulloo directed departments concerned to expedite procurement and implementation processes while ensuring transparency and adherence to prescribed procedures. He also stressed the need to maximise outreach and ensure welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries across Jammu and Kashmir.