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From new hostels to tab-PCs, TAD lavish gifts upon tribal students

In order to offer tribal children with cutting-edge educational facilities with an emphasis on outcome-based quality education and skills, the Jammu and Kashmir Tribal Affairs Departments (TAD) authorised a number of reforms for the dormitories throughout Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. An official added that a range of steps and programmes have been authorised to be implemented with immediate effect from the present academic year.

The decision was made during a meeting that was also attended by special secretary Harun Malik, secretary Mukhtar Ahmed Choudhary of the Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, director Mushir Ahmed Mirza of tribal affairs, and financial advisor Ashok Thukaan.

The department approved the Technology Enabled Education Scheme for hostel students, which, according to the official, is a significant development. Under this programme, students enrolled in Class 11, Class 12, and PG courses will receive tab-PCs. These devices will have pre-loaded learning resources, including books, animations, mind-maps, resource material, and references.

Over 1,000 students enrolled in classes will receive these tabs before July 31. They would be permitted to keep these devices even after their course is completed. According to the official, the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) has been given the responsibility of creating courses and content for tabs and distributing it to pupils.

The official said that the honorarium for tutors will also be boosted, increasing it from the present rates of Rs 1,000, Rs 1,200, and Rs 1,500 for instructors of Classes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, respectively, to Rs 3000, Rs 4500, and Rs 6000 per month, a three- to four-fold jump.

He stated that the TAD has announced that hostels would run and remain operational for 12 months replacing the current 10-month a year model. This model will ensure that students have access to educational facilities throughout the year. According to the official, there will also be skill-building classes offered over the break for kids.

According to him, the committee also approved a 75 percent increase in the daily diet rate, bringing it from the current Rs 100 per student per day to Rs 175 with immediate effect. They also suggested raising the rate to Rs 300 for every student per day, which will be included in the budget’s revised estimates.

According to the official, the committee also looked at the proposition for building 25 new hostels. These buildings are being approved for the current fiscal year at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The panel is also considering the completion of stalled hostels which have been pending for many years due to a lack of necessary approvals and formalities.