JAMMU: Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today met several delegations who apprised him of their concerns and submitted representations for early redressal.
During the interactions, Rana reiterated the Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to ensuring timely resolution of public grievances and strengthening developmental as well as welfare initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.
A delegation from the Gujjar and Bakerwal Post-Graduate Boys Hostel called on the Minister and presented a detailed charter of demands focusing on skill development, exposure tours, and digital learning opportunities for students. The delegation requested the immediate organization of an educational tour to enhance students’ exposure and learning experience, besides seeking the distribution of digital tablets to facilitate access to e-learning resources in line with modern academic standards.
Rana assured the delegation that the government is deeply committed to advancing the educational and infrastructural needs of students, particularly those belonging to tribal and marginalized communities. He said all possible measures would be taken to ensure improved academic facilities and resources in hostels managed by the department.
Later, a delegation of Seasonal Educational Volunteers (SEVs) also met the Minister and submitted a memorandum seeking an extension of their service period. The SEVs emphasized the importance of continuity in educational services for migratory and nomadic communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
They apprised the Minister that SEVs play a vital role in educating migratory children enrolled in Seasonal Centers, ensuring uninterrupted learning during migration. They further informed that Baseline and End Line Surveys had shown significant improvement in learning outcomes among over 4,300 migratory students benefitting from these interventions.
The Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and acknowledged the crucial role SEVs play in bridging educational gaps and promoting inclusive learning among migratory populations. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster empowerment and upliftment of all sections of society.
Recognizing the vital contribution of SEVs to sustaining educational progress among nomadic communities, Rana assured that their demands would be examined on priority and merit. He reiterated that the government remains steadfast in its resolve to strengthen the educational ecosystem, empower tribal and migratory communities, and promote equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
