Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a registered organization working for the welfare of border residents of J & K has urged the J & K administration to establish additional hostels for Schedule Tribe Students in J & K as the number of tribal students has increased after the inclusion of Gadda Brahmin, Pahari Ethnic tribe , Koli and Paddari community in the schedule list of tribal communities.The organization in its appeal has stated that after the gazette notification of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Act, 2024, now the tribal population of J & K has increased manifold thus it is imperative that the number of Tribal hostels for ST students be increased proportionally.Dr Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of the BADC and former Vice Chancellor said that as the new academic session 2024-25 is all set to begin within a few week’s time thus the Jammu and Kashmir government must take initiative and set up new hostels for the students belonging to tribal community. Dr Shazad also urged Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor and Atal Dulloo, the Chief Secretary of J & K to ensure that the students of the recently included tribal communities are provided all the benefits available to STs under the constitution of India. The former VC emphasized that the necessary directions by the respective departments be issued without any delay so that innocent ST students do not suffer.
