Over 59,500 Tribal Residents in Bandipora Constituency,₹6.33 Crore Development Schemes Underway : Govt

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Oct 30:The Department of Tribal Affairs revealed that, according to the 2011 census, there are 59,541 individuals from tribal communities residing in the Bandipora Assembly Constituency.

The information was revealed in a written reply to Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat during the ongoing Autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

The department confirmed that a portfolio of development schemes, totaling ₹633.91 lakhs (₹6.33 crore), is currently being implemented in the constituency. These initiatives are specifically designed to support the tribal population, with a focus on those living in remote and difficult hill terrains.

According to a detailed report, a copy of which lies with Kashmir Convener, the key ongoing projects including UT Capex Scheme In which Fifteen separate works are in progress with allocated funds of ₹538.91 lakhs.

Another scheme Tribal Dharti Aaba Gram Utkrash Yojna: ₹86 lakhs has been released for two projects, which are now underway.

PMAAGY Scheme: Eight sheep units have been established in Chandaji to boost the income of the local tribal community.

The reply further reads that, one handicraft center has also been set up to provide skill development training, aiming to improve living standards. The government stated in its reply that these initiatives involve a total of ₹9 lakhs.