SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today reviewed the implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities in Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting saw the participation of Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department (TAD) Prasanna Ramaswamy G; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare; Secretary, Health & Medical Education; Secretary, Rural Development; Secretary, Law; DG, Resources; and other senior officers. Deputy Commissioners joined the review through video conferencing.
During the discussions, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to accelerate expenditure under tribal welfare programmes. He directed Deputy Commissioners to fast-track the preparation of Village Action Plans (VAPs) under the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan and undertake a family-wise assessment of scheme coverage to ensure targeted delivery of benefits. Departments were urged to guarantee smooth and timely implementation across all tribal areas.
The Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Department informed that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, has approved a total financial allocation of Rs. 47.981 crore for J&K for 2025-26 under various schemes, a significant increase from the initial sanction of Rs. 9.8025 crore. Of this, Rs. 39.21 crore is allocated for projects under the Dharti AabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), Rs. 5 crore for establishing five Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centers (TMMCs), and Rs. 3.771 crore for setting up Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells at state and district levels.
The five approved TMMC locations include Lar (Ganderbal), Khumriyal (Kupwara), Agar Jitto (Reasi), Bus Stand Mendhar/Behra (Poonch), and Bus Stand (Rajouri).
The meeting also reviewed the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and service delivery in tribal communities. Under this mission, a cadre of “AdiSahyogis” and “AdiSathis” will mobilize communities, generate demand for services, and ensure saturation of key schemes through multi-departmental convergence.
In its first phase, the Abhiyan will cover 237 villages across 39 blocks in Bandipora, Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi districts. A Gap Analysis conducted by Deputy Commissioners through Gram Sabhas identified shortfalls in road connectivity, piped water supply, electricity, and health and education facilities. These gaps will inform project proposals to be submitted to MoTA.
A key deliverable of the mission will be the preparation of Village Action Plans (VAPs), to be formally approved in Special Gram Sabhas scheduled on October 2, 2025, across all 237 villages. The performance of these districts will guide future funding allocations for the remaining 16 districts of the UT.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Chief Secretary called for coordinated efforts to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach every tribal household in Jammu & Kashmir.
