Srinagar, October 15, 2025 : Minister for Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana has called for a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy to accelerate tribal empowerment across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a review meeting on the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY), Rana stressed the need for inclusive planning, inter-departmental coordination, and effective ground-level execution to ensure government schemes reach remote tribal communities.
He reviewed the performance of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) across districts, assessing their role in income generation and employment creation. The Minister said the PMVDY has the potential to be a game changer by promoting value addition to minor forest produce (MFP) and empowering tribal entrepreneurs with sustainable livelihoods.
Rana emphasized capacity building, market linkages, and data-driven monitoring to make tribal development initiatives more impactful. He directed departments to identify implementation gaps, strengthen collaboration, and submit new proposals where urgent interventions are needed.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to integrating tribal populations into the mainstream economy, Rana said this must be achieved while preserving their cultural and artisanal heritage.
He also urged the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) to work closely with MLAs to design and implement need-based livelihood projects that truly reflect local aspirations.
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.
