Vice Chairman, State Advisory Board (SAB) for Development of Pahari Speaking People, Kuldeep Raj Gupta today said during the past financial year the board has disbursed over Rs 18 crore among Pahari speaking students of the state.Vice Chairman said this while chairing a meeting of Board members here today. The meeting was attended by all state Pahari members.On the occasion, the VC informed that the Board has published Annual Report on Post Matric scholarships containing details of this financial assistance to the students, both boys and girls, belonging to the Pahari speaking families of Jammu & Kashmir. He also said that board has disbursed scholarship among students who are studying in and outside the state.He further informed that under pre-matric scholarship scheme, the Board has doubled the scholarship amount for girl students for their uplift besides to promote girl education.Additionally, he said that 9 Pahari hostels are functional in the state for both genders. Besides, the students in hostels run by the Board get free meals, accommodation and books.He reiterated that the Board will further take initiatives to provide assistance to the youth of this community for their socio-economic uplift.During the meeting the members also raised the certain issues pertaining to the functioning of Board, the VC patiently listened and sought compilation of their issues and produce before him for their early redress.He also exhorted upon the members to work in coordinated manner and put every effort to further strengthen the board functioning while delivering assistance to the Pahari speaking students.