Srinagar, Dec 12: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant increase in central health grants for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) under the National Health Mission (NHM) over the past three financial years. Allocations rose from Rs 56.14 crore in 2022-23 to nearly Rs 150.04 crore in 2024-25, according to official data presented in Parliament.

The Union Health Ministry reported that J&K received Rs 41.69 crore for SC communities and Rs 14.45 crore for ST communities in 2022-23. These allocations jumped to Rs 114.88 crore for SCs and Rs 47.78 crore for STs in 2023-24. In the current financial year 2024-25, J&K has been allocated Rs 100.96 crore for SCs and Rs 49.08 crore for STs.

The NHM continues to fund key health initiatives, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, ambulance services, mobile medical units, ASHA support, reproductive and child health programs, TB Mukt Bharat, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and free diagnostics and drug schemes nationwide. Special programs targeting tribal populations include the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

Regarding Ayushman Bharat, the Ministry said that as of November 15, 2025, 1.98 crore Ayushman cards had been issued to SC beneficiaries and 0.97 crore to ST beneficiaries across the country. The scheme has been expanded to include ASHA and Anganwadi workers, senior citizens above 70 years irrespective of income, and families from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

The Centre also highlighted the expansion of medical education infrastructure, approving 157 new medical colleges nationwide, including institutions in Baramulla, Kupwara, and Rajouri districts of J&K. Budget allocations for SC and ST-focused schemes are maintained under the Development Action Plans, with expenditures regularly monitored by the Health Ministry to improve healthcare access in remote and underserved regions.