Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department (TAD) and CEO Mission Youth, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary inaugurated academic block at Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Rajouri and visited EMRS Kandi to inspect ongoing works and interact with students. EMRS Rajouri and Kandi are among 6 such residential schools operationalised by LG Manoj Sinha led administration in last two years.
Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal, Director, Tribal Affairs, Mushir Ahmed Mirza, Director TRI, Mukhtar Ahmed, Jt Director Planning, Shama un Ahmed, Dy Director Dr Abdul Khabir, CEO Sultana Kouser, Principal EMRS Wakeel Ahmed Bhat and other officers accompanied.
The Secretary held detailed interaction with students at both the model residential schools for tribal students made functional since 2022 with enrolment of 240 students. He briefed the students about the facilities being offered by the department for opportunities in education, career options and Skilling.
A detailed question and answer session was also organised during the visit. He complemented the proactive role played by DC Rajouri Vikas Kundal and his team for effective management of EMRSs.Dr Shahid inaugurated the academic building at EMRS Rajouri which includes classrooms, offices and separate hostels for girls and boys.
He also distributed track suits, sports material and other utility items provided by the department for student welfare. Interaction with teachers was also held for a firsthand assessment of the facilities and planning further facilities for the students. He also announced Rs 80 Lakh for new sports facilities and Bharat darshan for students as well as starting Skilling and counselling services for students.
DC Vikas Kundal addressed the students about academic aspirations and career opportunities. He briefed about the thoroughly professional selection process of students and arranging academic team through a competitive process. He also impressed upon the executing agencies of both the EMRS for expeditious completion of building and start of work on main complex of EMRS Kandi.
It also pertinent to mention here that as a part of initiative of modernisation of 300 schools in tribal areas the government has developed more than 50 smart schools in tribal villages of Rajouri district for providing best facilities and amenities to the tribal students. Rs 4.15 Cr scholarship was also provided to the students in the district during current financial year.
It was also discussed to develop one smart class room in each of the 85 villages of the district selected under the model village scheme to prioritise educational facilities under the scheme. Education department has been asked for convergent planning at village level for effective outcomes. CEO Rajouri briefed about deputation of staff to various model residential schools and hostels for tribal students in the district.
Director TAD, Mushir Ahmed Mirza and Jt Director Planning Shama un Ahmed inspected hostels at Kalakote, Rajouri Boys and Rajouri Girls to see the amenities and include the demands of students and management for improvement in facilities.
Progress on new hostels being constructed at Budhal, Nowshera, Sunderbani and Khwas was also reviewed besides abandoned Koteranka hostel re-allotted to PWD. Land for a new school in thanamandi areas has also been sought by the department.