Lok Sabha Question No. 3571 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-15
Subject: Schemes for Tribal Areas
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ganesh Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3571

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.07.2019

## SCHEMES FOR TRIBAL AREAS

## 3571. SHRI GANESH SINGH:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the schemes that have been implemented for all-round development of tribal areas;
- (b) the details of 'Learning to Earning' facilities to the youth residing in the forest areas of Madhya Pradesh including district Satna;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to set up 'Health and Wellness Centres for children' and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  whether there is any plan for value addition and marketing of forest produce under Van Dhan Kendras and if so, the details thereof along with the achievement made in this regard as on date?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS

(Smt. RENUKA SINGH SARUTA)

- (a) & (b) : Government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy for overall and holistic development of tribal  people  living  across  the  country  including  Madhya  Pradesh.  These  include  support  for  health, skill  development,  education,  sanitation,  water  supply,  livelihood  etc.  Major  part  of  infrastructure development  and  provision  of  basic  amenities  in  tribal  areas/regions  in  the  country  is  carried  out through  various  schemes/programmes  of  different  Central  Ministries  and  the  State  Governments concerned,  while  the  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  provides  additive  to  these  initiatives  by  way  of plugging  critical  gaps.  The  brief  details  of  the  schemes/  programmes  being  implemented  by  the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes is given at Annexure.
- (c) : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has intimated that 'Public Health & Hospital' being a State subject,  the  primary  responsibility  of provision  of medical  facilities  and setting  up  of  Government Hospitals in the tribal areas is that of respective State Governments/UT Administrations. Under National Health Mission (NHM), support is being provided to States for strengthening their healthcare system including  for  upgradation  of  existing  and  setting  up  new  Public  Health  infrastructure  for  providing health care services to the people including children based on requirements posed by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans.

As  per  the  budget  announcement  2017-18,  1.5  lakh  Health  Sub  Centres  and  Primary  Health Centres  across  the  country  are  being  transformed  into  Health  and  Wellness  Centres  (AB-HWCs)  for provision  of  comprehensive  primary  care  that  includes  preventive  and  health  promotion at the community level with continuum of care approach.

(d) : Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram is an initiative targeting livelihood generation for tribal population by harnessing  the  wealth  of  forest  i.e.,  Van  Dhan  at  value  addition  and  marketing  centers  namely  'Van Dhan Vikas Kendras. The programme aims to tap into the traditional knowledge and skill sets of tribal people by adding technology and Information Technology for upgradation of output at each stage and to convert the tribal wisdom into a remunerative economic activity.

Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  has  accorded  in-principal  approval  for  establishment  of  one  'Van Dhan Vikas Kendra' on pilot basis in Bijapur District, Chhattisgarh at a total cost of Rs.25.00 lakh, out of which 75% cost will be met by the Centre and remaining 25% of the cost shall be the State's share. The kendra is envisaged to provide skill up gradation and capacity building training to 300 beneficiaries besides  providing  facilities  for  primary  processing  and  value  addition  to  the  gathered  Minor  Forest Produce (MFP) items.

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## Annexure referred in reply to part (a) & (b) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Quesiton No.3571 for 15-07-2019 by SHRI GANESH SINGH: regarding 'Schemes for Tribal Areas'.

## BRIEF DETAILS OF SCHEMES / PROGRAMMES OF THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## I. SPECIAL CENTRAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBAL SUB SCHEME (SCA to TSS):

The scheme of Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) which is 100% grant from Government  of  India.  Grants  are  released  to  States,  having  ST  population  for  development  and  welfare  of  tribal people. Funds are released to States based upon proposals received from the State Governments, and considered in the Project  Appraisal  Committee  (PAC),  to  bridge  the  gaps  in  sectors  like  education,  health,  agriculture,  skill development,  employment-cum-income  generation,  etc.  100%  grants  are  provided  to  States.  Major  part  of infrastructure development in tribal dominated areas and provision of basic amenities to tribal people in the country is carried  out  through  various  schemes  /  programmes  of  concerned  Central  Ministries  and  the  State  Governments concerned, while the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides additive to these initiatives by way of plugging gaps under SCA to TSS.

## II. GRANTS UNDER ARTICLE 275(1) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA:

The  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  administers  one  programme  named  'Grants  under  Article  275(1)  of  the Constitution  of  India'  wherein  funds  are  released  to  27  States,  having  ST  population.  Under  this  programme, 100% funding is made by Government of India. Funding under this programme is aimed to enable the States to meet the cost of such schemes of development as may be undertaken by the State for the purpose of promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in that State or raising the level of administration of Scheduled Areas therein to that of the administration of the rest of the areas of that State. Funds are released towards various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, dairy and skill development/other income generating  schemes.  This  intervention  is  aimed  at  augmenting  tribal  household  economy  and  administrative structure/institutional framework.

## III.  SCHEME  OF  DEVELOPMENT  OF  PARTICULARLY  VULNERABLE  TRIBAL  GROUPS (PVTGS):-

There are certain groups among Scheduled Tribes who have declining or stagnant population, low level of literacy, pre-agricultural level of technology and are economically backward. These groups are among the most vulnerable sections of our society as they are few in numbers, have not attained any significant level of social and  economic  development  and  generally  inhabit  remote  localities  having  poor  infrastructure  and administrative support. 75 such groups in 18 States and one UT, i.e. UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, have been identified and categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

2. The scheme covers these 75 identified PVTGs. The scheme is very flexible and it enables every State to focus  on  any  developmental  activity  for  PVTGs,  viz.,  housing,  land  distribution,  land  development, agricultural  growth,  cattle  development,  connectivity,  installation  of  non-conventional  sources  of energy for lighting purpose, social security or any other innovative activity meant for the comprehensive socioeconomic development of PVTGs.

## IV. SCHEME OF GRANT-IN-AID TO VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION WORKING FOR THE WELFRAE OF SCHEDULED TRIBES:

The Scheme was launched in 1953-54 and was last revised w.e.f. 1 st April 2008.     The prime objective of the scheme is to enhance the reach of welfare schemes of Government and fill the gaps in service deficient tribal areas, in the sectors such as education, health, drinking water, agro-horticultural productivity, social security net etc.  through  the  efforts  of  voluntary  organizations,  and  to  provide  favourable  environment  for  socio-economic upliftment and overall development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs).  Any other innovative activity having direct positive  impact  on  the  socio-economic  development  or  livelihood  generation  of  STs  may  also  be  considered through  voluntary  efforts.    The  scheme  is  Central  Sector  Scheme.    The  grants  are  provided  to  the  nongovernmental organizations on application, in a prescribed format, duly recommended by the multi-disciplinary State Level Committee of the concerned State Government/UT Administration. Funds are generally provided to the extent of 90% by the Government.  The voluntary organization is expected to bear the remaining 10% balance from its own resources.

## V.  SCHEME  OF  STRENGTHENING  EDUCATION  AMONG  ST  GIRLS  IN  LOW  LITERACY DISTRICTS:

The  primary  objective  of  this  Central  Sector  Scheme  is  promotion  of  education  among  tribal  girls  in  the identified low literacy districts of the country.  The scheme, revised w.e.f. 1 st April 2008,   aims to improve the socio-economic status of the poor and illiterate tribal population through the education of women.  The Scheme has been revised with effect from 1.4.2008.  Now it is being implemented in 54 identified low literacy districts where ST Population is 25% or more and ST female literacy rate is below 35% as per 2001 census.  The Scheme aims to bridge the gap in literacy levels between the general female population and tribal women and is meant exclusively for ST Girls.  The educational complexes are established in rural areas of identified districts and have classes I to V with a provision for upgradation up to class XII, provided there is sufficient accommodation for classrooms,  hostel,  a  kitchen,  gardening  and  for  sports  facilities.    The  educational  complexes  impart  not  only formal education to tribal girls but also train the students in agriculture, animal husbandry, other vocations and crafts to make them economically strong.

## VI. PRE-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIPS TO ST STUDENTS:

-  Applicable to students who are studying in Classes IX - X.
-  Parental income from all sources should be less than Rs.2.00 lakhs per annum, which is  proposed to be increased to Rs.2.5 lakhs.
-  Scholarship of Rs.150/- per month for day scholars and Rs.350/- per month for hostellers is given for a period  of  10  months  in  a  year,  Scholarships  are  paid  @  Rs.150/-  per  month  for  Day  Scholars  and  @ Rs.350/- per month for Hostellers, for a period of 10 months in a year. This is proposed to be revised from  existing  Rs.150/-  to  Rs.225/-  p.m.  for  Day  Scholars,  and  from  Rs.350/-  to    Rs.525/-  p.m.  for Hostellers.
-  Scholarship is disbursed through the State Government/UT Administration.
-  Funds shared at the ratio of 75:25 between the Centre and State Governments/UT Administrations  and 90:10 for NE and Specially Category States (Jammu  & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) from 2014-15 onwards.

## VII.  POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIPS TO ST STUDENTS:

-  Applicable to students who are studying in any recognized course from a recognized institution for which qualification is Matriculation/Class X or above.
-  Parental income from all sources should be less than Rs.2.50 lakhs per annum.
-  Compulsory  fees  charged  by  educational  institutions  are  reimbursed  subject  to  the  limit  fixed  by  the concerned  State  Fee  fixation  committee  and  scholarship  amount  of  Rs.230  to  Rs.1200  per  month, depending upon the course of study is paid.
-  Scholarship is distributed through the State Government/UT Administration.
-  Funds shared at the ratio of 75:25 between the Centre and State Governments/UT Administrations and 90:10 for NE and Specially Category States (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) from 2014-15 onwards.

## VIII.  NATIONAL  OVERSEAS  SCHOLARSHIPS  FOR  ST  CANDIDATES  FOR        STUDYING ABROAD:

-  The Scheme provides for financial assistance to selected students to pursue Post Graduation, Ph.D & Post-Doctoral study abroad.
-  A total of 20 awards are given every year. Of these, 17 awards are for STs and 3 awards for students belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
-  Parental/family income from all sources should not exceed Rs.6.00 lakhs per annum.
-  Disbursement of scholarships through the Ministry of External Affairs/ Indian Missions abroad.

## IX. NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP & SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION OF ST STUDENTS:

## (i) SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (earlier known as Top Class Education for ST Students):

-  Scholarship is given to ST students for pursuing studies in prescribed courses in any of the 246 institutions of excellence across the country like IITs, AIIMS, IIMs, NIITs, etc. identified by the Ministry.
-  Total number of scholarships is 1000 per year.
-  Family income from all sources should not exceed Rs.6.00 lakhs per annum.
-  Scholarship amount includes tuition fees, living expenses and allowances for books and computer.

## (ii) FELLOWSHIP  (earlier  known  as  Rajiv  Gandhi  National  Fellowship  Scheme  for  ST Students):

-  750 fellowships are provided to ST students each year for pursing higher studies in India for M.Phil and Ph.D.
-  Fellowship for M.Phil is provided @ Rs.25000/- per month and for Ph.D @ Rs.28000/- per month.
- o Contingency for Fellows in Humanities and Social Science is provided @ Rs.10000/- per annum for two year and Rs. 20500/- per annum for the rest of the period.
- o Contingency  for  Fellows  in  Science,  Engineering  Technology    is  provided  @  Rs.12000/-  per annum for two years and @ 25000/- per annum for the rest of the period.
- o Escorts/Reader assistance @ Rs.2000/- per month is provided in case of physically and visually handicapped candidates.
- o HRA as per rules of University / Institution / Colleges.
-  The maximum duration for which the scholarships are available  is given below:

a. M.Phil

-

2 years

- b. Ph.D exclusively

-

5 years

- c. M.Phil + Ph.D -

2 years (M.Phil) and 3 years (Ph.D).

## X.  INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING OF TRIBAL PRODUCTS / PRODUCE (CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEME):-

Under  the  scheme,  Grants-in-aid  are  released  to  State  Tribal  Development  Cooperative  Corporations (STDCCs) and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) which is a multiState Cooperative under Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

## The scope of the Scheme: -

- 1) To give comprehensive support for people belonging to various tribes in the entire range of production, product development, preservation of traditional heritage, support to both forest and agricultural produce of  tribal  people,  support  to  Institutions  to  carry  the  above  activities,  provisions  of  better  infrastructure, development of designs, dissemination of information about price and the agencies which are buying the products, support to Government agencies for sustainable marketing and thereby ensure a reasonable price regime.
- 2) Sharing of information with Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas
- 3) Skill upgradation, development of utilitarian products for increase in value in market.

## Objective of the Scheme :-

The  objective  of  the  Scheme  is  to  create  institutions  for  the  Scheduled  Tribes  to  support  marketing  and development of activities they depend on for their livelihood.  These are sought to be achieved by specific measures like (i) market intervention; (ii) training and skill up-gradation of tribal Artisans, Craftsmen, MFP gatherers etc.; (iii) R&D/IPR activity; and (iv) Supply chain infrastructure development.

## XI. 'MECHANISM  FOR  MARKETING  OF  MINOR  FOREST  PRODUCE  (MFP)  THROUGH MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE  (MSP) AND DEVELOPMENT OF VALUE CHAIN FOR MFP AS A MEASURE OF SOCIALSAFETY FOR MFP GATHERERS (CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEME):-

This  Ministry  has  introduced  from  the  year  2013-14,  a  centrally  sponsored  scheme  of  'Mechanism  for marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP' as a measure of social safety for MFP gatherers who are primarily member of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers whose very livelihood depends on collection and selling of MFP.

- 2 The  scheme  seeks  to  establish  a  system  to  ensure  fair  monetary  returns  for  their  efforts  in  collection, primary processing, storage, packaging, transportation etc. It also seeks to get them a share of revenue from the sales proceeds with cost deducted. It also aims to address other issues for sustainability of process.
- 3          The  scheme  envisages  fixation  and  declaration  of  Minimum  Support  Price  for  the  selected  MFP. Procurement  &  Marketing  operation  at  pre  fixed  MSP  will  be  undertaken  by  the  designated  State  Agencies. Simultaneously,  other  medium  &  long  term  issues  like  sustainable  collection,  value  addition,  infrastructure development, knowledge base expansion of MFP, market intelligence development, strengthening the bargaining power of Gram Sabha / Panchayat will also be addressed.

## XII. SUPPORT TO NATIONAL SCHEDULED TRIBES FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION  (NSTFDC)  /  STATE  SCHEDULED  TRIBES  FINANCE  AND  DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS (STFDCs):-

NSTFDC a fully owned Public Sector Enterprise of Government of India, is provided with 100% equity share capital  contribution  by  the  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs.    The  authorized  share  capital  of  the  Corporation  is  Rs 750.00 crore.  The paid up Share capital is Rs 570.00 crore (as on 15.03.2017).  The main objectives of NSTFDC are:-

-  To identify economic activities of importance to the Scheduled Tribes so as to generate self-employment and raise their income level.
-  To upgrade their skills and processes through both institutional and on the job training.
-  To make existing State/ UT Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporations (SCAs) and other developmental agencies engaged in economic development of the Scheduled Tribes more effective.
-  To assist SCAs in project formulation, implementation of NSTFDC assisted schemes and in imparting training to their personnel.
-  To monitor implementation of NSFDC assisted schemes in order to assess their impact.

The  STFDCs  are  catering  to  STs  in  various  States  and  are  provided  assistance  in  the  form  of contribution towards share capital by this Ministry.  The ratio of its contribution is in the share of 51:49 between State and Government and Central Government.  The main objectives of the scheme are :-

-  Identification of eligible ST families and motivating them to undertake economic development schemes.
-  Sponsoring those schemes to financial institutions for credit support.
-  Providing financial assistance in form of margin money on low rate of interest; and
-  Providing necessary linkage/ tie-up with other poverty alleviation programmes.

## XIII. THE SCHEME  'SUPPORT TO TRIBAL RESEARCH  INSTITUTE(TRI)':

This is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding by the Central Government to the TRIs directly or through  State  Government  on  need  basis  with  the  approval  of  APEX  Committee  of  the  Ministry.  The continuation of the scheme has already been approved and revised guidelines issued (2017). Annual proposal is appraised and approved by APEX Committee usually in the 1 st Quarter/ FY. Mid-term Review of the projects sanctioned to the  State  TRIs  under  the  Scheme  'Support  to  TRIs'  is  done  in  the  month  of  September.  Tribal Research  Institutes  (TRIs)  have  been  set  up  by  various  State  Governments.  TRIs  are  established  and administratively supported by concerned State Governments.

The  basic  objective  of  the  scheme  is  to  strengthen  the  Tribal  Research  Institutes  (TRIs)  in  their infrastructural needs, Research & Documentation activities and Training & Capacity Building programmes, etc. Focus of the scheme is to establish TRIs in each of the Tribal dominated States. It is envisaged that TRIs should work as body of knowledge & research more or less as a think tank for tribal development, preservation of tribal cultural  heritage,  providing  inputs  to  States  for  evidence  based  planning  and  appropriate legislations,  capacity building  of  tribals  and  persons  /  institutions  associated  with  tribal  affairs,  dissemination  of  information  and creation  of  awareness.  To  recognize  the  heroic  deeds  of  tribals,  Government  has  resolved  to  set  up  Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums in the States.

## XIV. THE SCHEME  'TRIBAL FESTIVAL, RESEARCH INFORMATION AND MASS EDUCATION)':

The  basic  objective  of  the  scheme  to  identify  and  recognize  institutes/organizations  as  Centre  of Excellence  (CoE)  to  undertaking  various  research  studies/publication  of  books/documentation  including  audio visual  documentaries  to  fill  the  gap  of  research  studies  on  tribal  issues  and  Promotion  of  rich  tribal  cultural heritage as well as capacity building of tribal persons/institutions associated with tribal affairs, dissemination of information and creation of awareness.

Research Institutes and Organizations have been receiving financial support from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs  for  carrying  out  short-term  research  and  extension  work  among  tribal  communities  in  the  country. Ministry of Tribal Affairs have been funding to them on the basis of the proposals received in the first instance and  studies  approved.    The  scheme  aims  at  supporting  and  strengthening  active  research  in  Universities  and reputed Institutions as well as Institutions with potential, including NGOs, Registered Professional Organizations and Autonomous Bodies working in the fields of tribal development and research. Renowned NGOs, Research Institutes  and  Organizations,  where  expertise  exist  and  which  have  already  made  a  mark  by  carrying  out pioneering research in the field of study of tribal cultures and their development and extension work in particular subject areas.

The Institutes/Organizations declared as Centre of Excellence will be provided 100% Grants-in-aid by the  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs.  The  installment  will  be  released  only  after  submission  of  draft  report  of  the research study/documentation done by a particular institute/organization on the work approved by the Ministry of Tribal  Affairs.  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  shall  have  the  right  to  review  the  draft  report  and  any  modification asked for by the Ministry will have to be carried out by the concerned Institute/Organization.  The duration of research studies/documentation work report will be within a period of 8- 12 months from the date of sanction of grants-in-aid under the Scheme of Centre of Excellence.

The  grant-in-aid  is  released  under  this  scheme  for  various  field  like  documentation  of  tribal  cultures, which includes dance, music, songs, languages, dialects, tribal arts, traditional medicines and sports, customary laws and religions. Research on Tribal Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Rights, Women rights in the Vth Scheduled Areas and the VIth Scheduled Areas. Research studies on migration, displacement, resettlement and rehabilitation of  minor  and  major  project  affected  Tribal  families/  tribal  areas.  Dissemination  of  various  enactments/ regulations on money lending / debt redemption meant for STs.  Documentation of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in respect of their population, customary laws and culture. Organization of awareness campaign amongst STs about basic minimum needs like primary health including pre-natal and post-natal health for women &  children,  drinking  water  and  primary  education;  etc.    Publication  of  issues  related  to  research  and documentation of the Scheduled Tribes. Organization of seminars / workshop on matters related to tribal issues etc. Documentation of tribal artifacts.

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