Srinagar, August 31, 2025 – In a significant boost to educational opportunities for tribal youth in Jammu and Kashmir, the Department of Tribal Affairs (TAD) has disbursed ₹2.53 crore in scholarships to Scheduled Tribe Category-2 (ST-2) students under its dedicated scholarship scheme. This initiative underscores the department’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible student from marginalized tribal communities is left behind, promoting equitable access to higher education amid ongoing efforts to empower underrepresented groups.The scholarships, which were previously managed through external agencies, are now exclusively handled by the Tribal Affairs Department, streamlining the process and enhancing efficiency. This shift allows for better monitoring and timely distribution, directly benefiting ST students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses. The funds will cover tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other educational expenses, enabling recipients to focus on their studies without financial burdens.
Key Highlights of the Scholarship Disbursement
- Beneficiary Focus: The scheme targets ST-2 students, a sub-category within the Scheduled Tribes recognized for additional vulnerabilities, including those from nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes like Gujjars, Bakerwals, and others in remote areas of J&K. Over 1,500 students across the Union Territory are expected to receive aid through this tranche, with disbursements made directly into their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Total Amount and Coverage: The ₹2.53 crore allocation covers scholarships for the academic year 2024-25, with individual awards ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the course and level of study. This is part of a broader annual budget of over ₹10 crore for tribal scholarships in J&K.
- Management Transition: By bringing the scholarship program under its exclusive purview, TAD aims to reduce delays and administrative hurdles that previously affected disbursements. The department has integrated digital platforms for applications, verification, and payments, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Department Secretary, Shailendra Kumar, highlighted the initiative’s impact, stating, “Education is the cornerstone of tribal empowerment. By disbursing these scholarships swiftly and solely through TAD, we are not only supporting ST students’ academic journeys but also fostering a more inclusive society in J&K. Our goal is zero exclusion—no eligible student will be left behind due to procedural or financial barriers.”
Broader Context and Impact
The move comes at a time when J&K is witnessing increased focus on tribal welfare following the inclusion of new tribes in the ST list earlier this year, expanding benefits to over 10 lakh tribal population. The Tribal Affairs Department has been proactive in implementing schemes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, including post-matric and pre-matric scholarships, hostel constructions, and skill development programs.This disbursement is particularly timely amid the region’s recovery from recent natural calamities, such as the flash floods in Jammu, which have exacerbated challenges for remote tribal communities. Educational support like this helps mitigate dropout rates, which stand at around 15% among ST students in J&K, according to recent surveys.
Authorities have urged eligible students to apply through the official TAD portal (tribalaffairs.jk.gov.in) for future cycles, with deadlines extended to accommodate any disruptions. Helplines (0194-2506175) are available for queries, and awareness campaigns are underway in tribal-dominated districts like Rajouri, Poonch, and Kishtwar.The initiative has been praised by tribal leaders and educators, who see it as a step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to quality education and reduced inequalities in the region.
