Gujjar-Bakerwal Hostels Ready for Admissions in Kupwara, Handwara: Javed Rana

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU FEBRUARY 03:-The Government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Gujjar-Bakerwal Girls Hostel at Zangli, Kupwara, and the Gujjar-Bakerwal Boys Hostel at Handwara have been completed and are ready to begin the admission process from the next academic session.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram Lassanvi, the Minister for Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana said that both hostels are fully constructed and equipped to accommodate students belonging to the Gujjar-Bakerwal community.

The Minister further stated that the required budgetary provisions for dietary items, bedding and other miscellaneous operational expenses have been projected under the Revised Estimates for 2025–26 and the Budget Estimates for the financial year 2026–27, ensuring smooth functioning of the hostels.

Providing an update on other ongoing projects, the Minister informed the House that the Gujjar-Bakerwal Girls Hostels at Budgam and Baramulla are at the final stage of completion and are expected to be completed shortly.

However, he noted that certain works related to electricity, power supply and water connections are still pending.

These matters have been taken up with the concerned executing agencies so that the admission process can also be initiated in these hostels from the forthcoming academic session.

The Minister also informed the Assembly that land has been transferred in favour of the Tribal Affairs Department for the construction of ST/Gujjar-Bakerwal Girls Hostel at Srinagar, marking another step towards strengthening educational infrastructure for tribal communities.