Rana reviews progress on PMVDY implementation, calls for stronger tribal empowerment push
SRINAGAR,: Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today emphasised the need for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategy to fast-track tribal empowerment across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting on the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY). The meeting was attended by MLA Zainpora, Showket Hussain Ganie; Director, Tribal Affairs, Mumtaz Choudhary; Mission Director, JKRLM, Dr. Shubhra Sharma; and other senior officials.
Rana underlined the importance of inclusive planning, inter-departmental coordination, and effective ground-level execution to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach tribal communities, particularly those living in remote and underserved areas.
Reviewing district-wise progress of PMVDY, the Minister assessed its impact on tribal livelihoods, income generation, and socio-economic upliftment. He sought updates on the functioning of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) established across the Union Territory and the outcomes achieved in employment creation and entrepreneurship development.
Rana said the scheme has immense potential to act as a “game changer” by encouraging value addition to minor forest produce (MFP) and fostering tribal entrepreneurship. He directed officials to strengthen training and capacity-building initiatives, especially for artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs in far-flung regions.
He also stressed the need to expand market linkages for tribal products at regional and national levels, urging departments to identify implementation gaps, enhance inter-agency coordination, and propose fresh interventions where required.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to bridging developmental disparities, the Minister said PMVDY’s success depends on its ability to create self-reliant, skilled, and empowered tribal communities that can actively contribute to Jammu and Kashmir’s economic growth.
Rana further called for a data-driven approach to planning and monitoring, with continuous tracking of progress, impact evaluation, and replication of successful models across tribal-dominated areas.
He directed the JK Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) to work in close coordination with local MLAs while formulating and implementing livelihood initiatives, noting that elected representatives possess valuable insights into local needs and can help make programmes more impactful.
Stressing the importance of synergy among all stakeholders, Rana said collective and coordinated efforts are vital to realise the vision of an inclusive, equitable, and empowered tribal society in Jammu and Kashmir.
