Modalities finalised for establishment of Tribal Museum and Research Centre in Poonch; Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Vice-Chancellor JU discuss establishment plan

SRINAGAR : The Tribal Affairs Department and Jammu University finalised modalities for establishment of a state-of-the art Tribal Museum and Research Centre (TMRC), at Poonch, which is proposed a centre of excellence in tribal culture, research, literature and studies. Proposals were also discussed for tribal museums at Jammu, Rajouri, Udhampur and Srinagar.

Secretary, Tribal Affairs department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary along with Director Tribal Affairs, Mushir Ahmed Mirza, Joint Director Planning Shama un Ahmed, FA/CAO Sadiq Ali and OSD Mission Youth Dr Abdul Khabir held detailed deliberations with Jammu University management led by the Vice Chancellor Jammu University Prof M.K. Dhar VC, Prof Dipankar Sengupta Director Poonch Campus University of Jammu, Suresh Sharma ExEn University Works Department, University of Jammu, Dr Malay Dey, Centre for Museology, University of Jammu, Irfan Goni, Officer Campuses Development, University of Jammu and M Suresh Tak.

The consultative committee decided to establish a Tribal Museum and Research Centre (TMRC) for which an amount of Rs 500.00 Lakh shall be provided by the Tribal Affairs Department. The TMRC will have a live museum of tribal art and culture. It will also have a special Research wing under which fellowships will be offered on various aspects of tribal life and welfare. Jammu University and Tribal Affairs Department will also collaborate on action research in various fields. The TMRC Poonch apart from a centre of excellence in tribal research shall also be designed as a major tourist attraction.

Secretary, tribal affairs department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary briefed about various aspects of TMRC and sought the support of Jammu University for early start of work on the prestigious project. He also discussed about various skill development courses for tribal youth in Poonch and Rajouri in collaboration with JU and BGSBU.

Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof M K Dhar proposed various research fellowships and research projects which were agreed by the tribal affairs department to be rolled out from the current financial and academic year. He also discussed about the plan of TMRC and related research activities to be offered by the Poonch campus of University

Head, Poonch Campus, Dr Dipankar Sengupta briefed about the Detailed Project Report, project completion timelines, procurement of artefacts, development of museums and rolling out various research projects. Dr Malay Dey, renowned museologist discussed about the live museum on tribal art, culture and way life. He also discussed about the collaboration with tribal affairs department for tangible heritage documentation. Further, Dr Dey agreed to extend similar assistance for proposed museums at Rajouri, Jammu, Udhampur (Ramnagar) and Srinagar being planned by the department in a phased manner.