SRINAGAR: Member of Parliament (MP) Mian Altaf Ahmad on Thursday asked the Minister of Tribal Affairs about the development efforts for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Jammu and Kashmir, specifically regarding funds released over the past five years, implemented schemes, and the number of roads and hospitals constructed in tribal areas.
In response, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs said Funds released to Jammu and Kashmir under DAPST over the past five years were as follows: Rs 617.04 crore in 2019-20, Rs 319.06 crore in 2020-21, Rs 541.48 crore in 2021-22, Rs 765.57 crore in 2022-23, and Rs 1106.11 crore in 2023-24.
The reply reads that the government has been executing the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) as a comprehensive strategy to aid STs and areas with tribal populations across the country. This initiative sees 41 ministries and departments allocate a percentage of their annual budgets towards tribal development projects in sectors like education, health, agriculture, irrigation, roads, and employment.
The response outlined several key schemes implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, including the Eklavya Model Residential Schools, scholarships for ST students, and grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution. Most of these schemes are demand-driven, funded based on state proposals which are appraised and approved by the Ministry.
A major infrastructure programme, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), has contributed significantly to road connectivity. By December 2024, the scheme had sanctioned 3,437 roads (20,801 km) and 305 bridges in the Union Territory of JK. Of these, 3,214 roads (19,324.72 km) and 217 bridges were completed, with a total expenditure of Rs 12,610 crore.
In health infrastructure, as of March 31 2023, there were 198 Sub Centres, 65 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and 3 Community Health Centres (CHCs) operational in JK’s tribal areas.
The Minister also listed various programmes aimed at supporting ST communities, including pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, national fellowships, support for Tribal Research Institutes, and initiatives for tribal research, education, and communication.
