JAMMU: Minister for Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Thursday directed district administrations and executing agencies to accelerate developmental works under various tribal welfare schemes and ensure optimal utilisation of allocated funds.
Chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, Rana assessed the physical and financial progress of projects being implemented 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.
The meeting was informed that approximately 86 per cent of the funds released under DAJGUA had been utilised.
Taking stock of the expenditure and progress of ongoing works, the Minister directed officials to identify and remove procedural bottlenecks, expedite pending projects and adhere to prescribed timelines.
He stressed the need for improved coordination among district administrations, the Tribal Affairs Department and executing agencies to ensure that welfare initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries.
Rana also reviewed the construction and upgradation of EMRS institutions and Gujjar and Bakerwal hostels, emphasising the importance of residential educational facilities in improving access to quality education for tribal students, particularly those from remote and economically disadvantaged communities.
He asked district administrations to submit details of savings generated through the tendering process and identify projects or works found to be non-feasible. The information, he said, would help improve financial planning and ensure rational allocation of available resources.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, being observed across Jammu and Kashmir from November 1 to 15.
Officials informed the meeting that more than 2,500 activities had been organised or reported across districts, with participation exceeding 1.05 lakh people.
Rana directed district administrations to ensure inclusive public participation in the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15, marking the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Sheetal Nanda, Director Tribal Affairs and other senior departmental officers, besides district heads, sectoral officers and representatives of executing agencies.