SRINAGAR, September 24, 2026 – The Jammu and Kashmir Government has officially issued 5,73,667 Scheduled Tribe-II (ST-II) certificates to eligible individuals belonging to Pahari ethnic groups across the Union Territory, providing a major administrative update during the ongoing Legislative Assembly session on Thursday. Responding to a formal query raised by MLA Narinder Singh Raina, the Minister in charge of Revenue presented comprehensive data detailing the widespread distribution of these essential certificates across all 20 districts in accordance with prescribed eligibility criteria. A significant demographic trend emerged from the tabulated figures, revealing that the Jammu division accounted for the vast majority with 5,04,007 ST-II certificates issued, while the Kashmir division recorded a total of 69,660 certificates.
A closer district-wise analysis indicates that Rajouri district in the Jammu division overwhelmingly leads the issuance tally, recording an impressive 3,01,091 ST-II certificates. It is significantly followed by Kupwara in North Kashmir with 34,224 certificates, Baramulla with 29,635, Poonch with 18,435, and Kishtwar with 17,304. Breaking down the figures further within the Kashmir division, Shopian recorded 1,735 certificates, Anantnag saw 1,290 issuances, Ganderbal registered 1,018, Pulwama 836, Kulgam 347, Budgam 336, Bandipora 193, and Srinagar recorded the lowest in the Valley with just 46 certificates. Conversely, in the remaining districts of the Jammu division, issuance numbers were notably sparse, with Jammu district recording 140 certificates, Reasi 24, Udhampur seven, Doda three, Ramban two, Samba one, and Kathua district reporting zero issuances so far. The systematic rollout of the ST-II certificates marks a critical step by the government in formalizing the affirmative action benefits extended to the Pahari-speaking populations across the region.
Published by True Roots Media Network