DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, july 23
The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a registered organisation working for the welfare of border residents and tribal population of J&K, has taken a strong step by raising the issue of hostel shortage at Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Mendhar (Border District Poonch) with the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Dr. Shazad Ahmad Malik, Chairman JK-BADC and former Vice Chancellor, has written a letter to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Jual Oram, seeking urgent action for arranging hostel facilities for nearly 60 newly admitted Class VI students, both boys and girls, who have joined the school after clearing the entrance test.
In his 2 page letter dated 22/July/2025, Dr. Shazad highlighted the difficulties being faced by these children, most of whom belong to the underprivileged Scheduled Tribe (ST) community with very limited financial means.
“These children have worked hard to earn their place in the school, but are now suffering due to lack of hostel accommodation. In a remote border area like Mendhar, hostel is not a luxury — it is a basic need,” the letter reads.
The letter has also been copied to the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and to Hon’ble MoS Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey, to ensure the issue gets attention at the central level.
Dr. Shazad added that this step was taken after several local residents and tribal families from Mendhar met JK-BADC and shared their concerns.
He expressed hope that the Union Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, will take timely steps to solve this problem in the interest of the children and the community.
