Srinagar, May 27 (IANS): The Tribal Affairs Department, in its endeavours to promote the interests of tribal populace in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday began highest ever disbursement of scholarships among the students of the community under various scholarship schemes.

"A total amount of Rs 45 crore shall be credited through DBT mode to the bank account of the beneficiaries under pre-Matric and post-Matric scholarship schemes," said Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, while elaborating on the government's initiative of empowering these integral segments of the society through education.

Due to migration of the process on the National Scholarship Portal and its integration with the PFMS the whole process has been made transparent and user friendly.

The Secretary said that education of tribal students is top priority for the Jammu and Kashmir government.

In this regard, Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, has ensured the highest ever disbursement of scholarships amounting Rs 45 crore in order to support the educational needs of tribal students pursuing courses at postgraduate level, graduate levels, pre-matric, and post-matric levels.