Jammu, October 24, 2025 – In a move that’s lighting up the path for thousands of tribal kids, the J&K government greenlit Rs 16.65 crore for the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for 2025-26 today, targeting 5,000 students from Gujjar, Bakerwal, and Pahari communities across the union territory. The approval, signed off at a 10 AM cabinet meeting in Srinagar, aims to cover tuition, books, and living costs for higher education, from Class 11 to PhD, as part of the Centre’s tribal welfare push.
Social Welfare Minister Javed Ahmad Rana, at a 11 AM presser, called it “a step to bridge gaps for our marginalized youth.” Scholarships range from Rs 5,000 for undergrads to Rs 20,000 for postgrads, with 60% earmarked for girls. For Jammu’s tribal pockets – Gujjar herders in Akhnoor nursing flood losses (4,000 homes hit in August), Pahari students in Poonch eyeing engineering – it’s a game-changer. A young Bakerwal girl from Rajouri, clutching her admission letter at a noon community center: “This pays for my nursing dreams – no more dropping out.”
Historically, J&K’s tribal scholarships started in 2008 with ST status for Gujjars; today’s hike, up 20% from last year, ties to 2024’s Pahari inclusion. Future? Full disbursement by December, with 70% to Jammu division. CM Omar Abdullah, tweeting at 12 PM: “Empowering tribals empowers J&K.” For our diverse Dogra mix, where borders and floods test us, it’s fuel for the fight.