Aimed at promoting tribal welfare and research in Jammu & Kashmir, Tribal Affairs Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana, today reviewed measures aimed to strengthen the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a meeting of the officers of Tribal Affairs Department, the Minister emphasized the pivotal role of TRI in promoting the tribal welfare. He called for transforming it into a premier institute of tribal research and excellence.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Harun Malik, Director Tribal Affairs, Mohd Mumtaz Ali and other senior officers of the department.

During the review, the Minister directed the officers to formulate a comprehensive coordination plan with all the stakeholders to devise the broader structure of role and activities to be taken up by the TRI. He stressed the need for infrastructure upgrades, hiring of reputed consultants and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to ensure the institute's effective functioning.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of studying and replicating best practices and models from other parts of the country to enhance TRI's capabilities. He envisioned TRI as a hub for innovative research, policy formulation and capacity building, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of tribal communities in J&K.

Javed Rana directed for enhancing TRI's infrastructure to facilitate cutting-edge research and training. He also asked for fostering broader coordination with all stakeholders, including tribal communities, academia and civil society organizations.

The Minister instructed for engaging experienced and reputed consultants to provide expertise in tribal research and development and prepare and submit DPRs for various projects and initiatives to be undertaken by TRI.

“Our vision for TRI should be to establish it as a premier institute of tribal research and excellence, contributing to the socio-economic development of tribal communities in J&K. TRI's work should be guided by a deep understanding of tribal issues, cultures, and aspirations,” he said.

TRI should be positioned as a key driver of tribal welfare and development in J&K, leveraging research, innovation, and collaboration to improve the lives of tribal communities, he added.