Govt sanctions Rs 16.65 crore Post-Matric Scholarship for Tribal students for FY 2025–26

Srinagar, Oct 24: Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved and released Rs 16.65 crore under the Post Matric Scholarship (Tribal) scheme for the financial year 2025–26.
The allocation includes Rs 14.99 crore as the central share and Rs 1.66 crore as the Union Territory (UT) share, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
The funds have been released through BEAMS via the SNA SPARSH platform, ensuring transparent, efficient, and timely transfer to beneficiaries.
This initiative reflects Omar Abdullah Government’s strong commitment to empowering tribal youth through education and reducing financial barriers to higher learning.
Announcing the release, Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana said that the enhanced allocation reinforces Government’s resolve to mainstream tribal youth by facilitating their access to higher education, professional training and skill development opportunities.
“The Omar Abdullah-led government remains steadfast in ensuring that no deserving tribal student is deprived of education due to financial hardship,” the Minister said.
“This initiative embodies our unwavering commitment to equity, opportunity and social justice. With this allocation, we are strengthening the foundation for inclusive growth and empowerment.”
He added that Tribal Affairs Department is working to bridge educational disparities and provide comprehensive support for tribal students aspiring to excel academically and professionally.
Highlighting the importance of accountability and efficiency, Rana said: “Our focus is not merely on fund allocation but on ensuring that every eligible student receives the scholarship amount on time, without procedural delays. We have issued clear directions to all concerned officers to expedite verification, processing, and direct benefit transfers through SPARSH.”
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, for its continued support and collaboration in implementing welfare schemes for the tribal population in Jammu and Kashmir
He reaffirmed that education is the cornerstone of empowerment and empowering tribal youth remains a central pillar of the government’s inclusive development agenda.