Studies conducted by the Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) have highlighted the challenges faced by tribal people. Some of the studies undertaken by Tribal Research Institute, Maharashtra are as under:
Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) [now called Scheduled Tribe Component (STC)] Strategy was adopted in 5th Five Year Plan (1974-75) for accelerated development of tribal people. It envisages channelizing the flow of outlays & benefits from all sectors of development to ST population. TSP funds are dedicated source of fund for tribal development. Apart from Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 40 Central Ministries/Departments have been mandated to earmark Tribal Sub-Plan funds in the range of 4.3% to 17.5% of their total Scheme allocation every year for tribal development. Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides additive to these initiatives by way of plugging gaps. The efforts made through TSP / STC Strategy has brought out improvements for tribal in terms of various indices relating to literacy, health, livelihood, etc. The list of Schemes/ Programmes of Ministry of Tribal Affairs is given below.
SCHEMES/PROGRAMMES OF MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
1. Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub Scheme (TSS)
2. Grants-in-aid under Article 275(1) of the Constitution
3. Pre-Matric Scholarship for needy Scheduled Tribe Students studying in Classes IX & X
4. Post - Matric Scholarship Scheme (PMS)
5. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
I. National Fellowship for ST Students
II. Scholarship Scheme (Top Class Education) for ST Students
6. National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Higher Studies Abroad
7. Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce (MSP for MFP)
8. Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS)
9. Grants-in-aid to Voluntary Organisations working for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.
10. Support to Tribal Research Institutes
11. Scheme for Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
12. Tribal Festival, Research, information and Mass Education
13. Equity Support to National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation(NSTFDC)/ State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporations(STFDCs)
14. Institutional Support for Marketing and Development of Tribal Products (TRIFED etc.)
This information was given by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.