The Jammu and Kashmir Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that over 5 lakh 73 thousand Scheduled Tribe-II (ST-II) certificates have been issued to eligible persons belonging to Pahari ethnic groups across the Union Territory.

Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that according to data tabled in the Assembly, a total of 5 lakh 73 thousand 667 ST-II certificates have been issued across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Responding to a question raised by MLA Narinder Singh Raina, the Minister in charge of Revenue said ST-II certificates are being issued to eligible persons across the Union Territory.

The data showed that 5 lakh 4 thousand 7 certificates have been issued in the Jammu division, while 69 thousand 660 certificates have been issued in the Kashmir division. The Rajouri district recorded the highest number of ST-II certificates at 3 lakh 1 thousand 91, followed by Kupwara with 34 thousand 224, Baramulla with 29 thousand 635, Poonch with 18 thousand 435 and Kishtwar with 17 thousand 304 certificates.

In the Kashmir division, Ganderbal recorded 1 thousand 18 certificates, while Pulwama had 8 hundred 36, Anantnag 1 thousand 290, Shopian 1 thousand 735, Kulgam 3 hundred 47, Budgam 3 hundred 36, Bandipora 1 hundred 93 and Srinagar 46 certificates. The government said the certificates are being issued to eligible persons belonging to Pahari ethnic groups residing across Jammu and Kashmir, as per the prescribed eligibility criteria.