Lok Sabha Question No. 973 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-08
Subject: Welfare Scheme to Tribes in Maharashtra
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kapil Moreshwar Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO †973

TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.02.2021

## WELFARE SCHEME TO TRIBES IN MAHARASHTRA

†973:  SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  proposals  from  the  State  of  Maharashtra  seeking  central assistance for upliftment of people belonging to Scheduled Tribes during last five years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  the  details  of  welfare  schemes  operational  for  the  welfare  of  scheduled  tribes  in  the  State  of Maharashtra; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SMT. RENUKA SINGH SARUTA)

- (a) & (b): Receipt of proposals from the State Governments under Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan (SCA to TSS) including Maharashtra is a continuous process. Ministry of Tribal Affairs has received proposals of Government of Maharashtra under the scheme of Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) during the last five years for various activities related to education, health, sanitation, water supply, livelihood, skill development, minor infrastructure etc. Details of the funds released to the Government of Maharashtra under the scheme of SCA to TSS during the last five years is as under:
- (c) & (d): The list of welfare schemes operational for the welfare of scheduled tribes in the State of Maharashtra is at Annexure .

| Financial Year   |   Funds Released based on proposals received from State Government (Rs. in lakh) |
|------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2015-16          |                                                                          12514.9 |
| 2016-17          |                                                                           9547   |
| 2017-18          |                                                                          13760.4 |
| 2018-19          |                                                                          13802.6 |
| 2019-20          |                                                                          11929.1 |

## Annexure referred in reply to part (c) & (d) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.973 for 08.02.2021 by SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL regarding 'Welfare Scheme to Tribes in Maharashtra'.

Following are the schemes/programmes that are administered by the MoTA:

1. Special  Central  Assistance  to  Tribal  Sub-Scheme  (SCA  to  TSS): Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) is 100% grant from Government of India (since 1977-78). It is charged to Consolidated Fund of India (except grants for North Eastern States,  a  voted  item)  and  is  an  additive  to  State  Plan  funds  and  efforts  for  Tribal Development.  This  grant  is utilized for  economic  development  of  Integrated  Tribal Development  Project  (ITDP),  Integrated  Tribal  Development  Agency  (ITDA),  Modified Area  Development  Approach  (MADA),  Clusters,  Particularly  Vulnerable  Tribal  Groups (PVTGs) and dispersed tribal population.
2. Grant-in-aid  under  Article  275(1)  of  the  Constitution: Grants-in-aid  under  Proviso  to Article 275(1) of Constitution of India is 100% annual grant from Government of India to States. It is charged to Consolidated Fund of India (except grants for NE States, a voted item) and is an additive to State Plan funds and efforts for Tribal Development. Funds are utilised for the socio-economic development of ITDA, MADA, Clusters and for PVTGs.
3. Scheme of Pre Matric Scholarship:  T his scheme was introduced with effect from 1.7.2012 for needy Scheduled Tribe children studying in classes IX and X. It has the twin objectives of supporting parents of Scheduled Tribe students for education of their wards studying in classes  IX  and  X  so  that  the  incidence  of  drop  out,  especially  in  transition  from  the elementary  to  secondary  and  during  secondary  stage  of  education  is  minimized,  and  to improve participation of ST students in classes IX and X of Pre-Matric stage, so that they perform  well  and  have  a  better  chance  of  progressing  to  Post-Matric  stages  of  education. Parental  income  from  all  sources  should  be  less  than  Rs.2.00  lakhs  per  annum,  which  is proposed to be revised to Rs.2.50 lakhs per annum. 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. Central assistance in the share of  75:25  (90:10  for  NER  and  Hilly  States)  to  State  Governments/UT  Administrations  is available  from  the  Government  of  India.  Scholarship  is  distributed  through  the  State Government/UT Administration.
4. Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship (PMS): 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. Central assistance in the share of 75:25 (90:10 for NER and Hilly States) to State Governments/UT Administrations  is  available  from  the  Government  of  India.  Scholarship  is  distributed through the State Government/UT Administration.

5. National fellowship & scholarship for higher education of ST students: SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (earlier known as Top Class Education) For ST students is granted. Scholarship is given to ST students for pursuing studies in prescribed courses in any of  the  246  institutes  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  does  not  exceed  Rs.6.00  lakhs  per  annum.  Scholarship  amount  includes tuition fees, living expenses and allowances for books and computer.

FELLOWSHIP  SCHEME  FOR  ST  STUDENTS):  750  fellowships  are  provided  to  ST students  each  year  for  pursing  higher  studies  in  India  for  MPhil  and  PhD.  Fellowship  is granted as per UGC norms, @Rs.25,000/- for JRF and @Rs.28,000/- for SRF.

6. National  Overseas  Scholarship  Scheme  for  Higher  Studies  abroad: Provides  financial assistance  to  selected  students  to  pursue  Post  Graduation,  Ph.D  and  Post-Doctoral  study abroad. A total of 20 scholarships are awarded every year. Of these, 17 awards are for STs and 3 awards for students belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Parental/family income from all sources should not exceed Rs.6.00 lakhs per annum. Annual maintenance allowance of £9900/-, annual contingency & Equipment allowance of £1116/-, tuition fees as per actuals and other admissible fees are provided for candidates in United Kingdom.  For  candidates  in  USA,  annual  maintenance  allowance  of  $15400/-,  annual contingency  &  equipment.  allowance  of  $1532/-,  tuition  fees  as  per  actuals  and  other admissible fees are provided.  For candidates in other countries, US dollar or equivalent rate would  be  applicable.  Disbursement  of  scholarships  is  through  the  Ministry  of  External Affairs/ Indian Missions abroad.
7. Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price  (MSP)  and  Development  of  Value  Chain  for  MFP: This  was  introduced  by  the Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  in  the  year  2013-14,  to  provide  much  needed  safety  net  and support to people belonging to Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers whose very livelihood depends on collection and selling of MFP. 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. The scheme envisages fixation and declaration of Minimum Support Price for the selected MFP. Procurement & Marketing operation at prefixed MSP will be undertaken by

the  designated  State  Agencies.  Simultaneously,  other  medium  and  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.

Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram is an initiative under the Scheme 'Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP)and Development of Value Chain for MFP' targeting livelihood generation for tribals by harnessing the wealth of forest  i.e.  Van  Dhan.  This  is  not  a  separate  scheme.  The  programme  aims  to  tap  into traditional knowledge and skill sets of tribals by adding technology; IT to upgrade it at each stage  and  to  convert  the  tribal  wisdom  into  a  viable  economic  activity.  Under  this Karyakram, it is proposed to set-up tribal community owned Minor Forest Produce centric multi-purpose Kendras in predominantly tribal districts. The Kendras would act as common facility  centres  for  procurement  cum  value  addition  to  locally  available  Minor  Forest Produce.  Value  addition  of  raw  produce  is  expected  to  increase  the  value  of  the  MFP considerably and consequently the income of the gatherers.

8. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs): This  scheme was  introduced in the year 1997-98 to provide quality upper primary, secondary and senior secondary level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas to enable them to access the best opportunities in education and to bring them at par with the general population. Initially funded under a Special Area Programme, 'Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India' which is a constitutional obligation, it has been carved out as a separate scheme in 2019-20.  Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) initiative has been giving greater focus on improving the education standard of tribal children including girls. In the 285 currently functional schools, girls  constitute  around  50%  of  the  total  students  enrolled.  Establishment  of  the  National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) in lines with Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti for management  of  the  Schools  is  envisaged  under  the  new  guidelines.  Moreover  around  20 EMRSs are Girls only schools. These schools have given a platform to the tribal children especially girls to excel in academic, co-curricular and sports activities.

## 9. Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organizations working for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes:

Under  the  scheme,  the  Ministry  has  funded  projects  covering  residential  schools,  nonresidential  schools,  hostels,  mobile  dispensaries,  ten  or  more  bedded  hospitals,  etc.    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

10.

grants  are  provided  to  the  non-governmental  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.

- Support  to  Tribal  Research  Institutes  (TRIs): Ministry  extends  support  to  the  State Governments through the Scheme to set up new TRIs where it didn't exist and to strengthen functioning  of  existing  TRIs  to  carry  out  its  core  responsibility  towards  Research  & Documentation, Training  and  capacity  building,  promotion  of  rich  tribal  heritage  etc.    To preserve tribal art and culture, financial assistance is provided to TRIs to carry out various activities  to  preserve  and  promote  tribal  culture  and  heritage  across  the  country  through research and documentation, maintenance and preservation of art and artefacts, setting up of tribal museums, exchange visits for the tribals to other parts of the State, organizing tribal festivals  etc.  Funding  under  this  Scheme  is  100%  grant-in-aid  by  the  Ministry  of  Tribal Affairs to the TRIs on need basis with the approval of APEX Committee. TRIs would be responsible to prepare proposal and detailed action plan for the year along with budgetary requirement and submit it to the Ministry through State Tribal Welfare Department.
11. Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): Under the scheme, the Ministry  provides  funds  to  States/UT  with  PVTG  populations  for  implementation  of prioritized  activities  for  PVTGs  as  per  approved  'Conservation-cum-Development  (CCD) Plans'. The scheme of Development of PVTGs covers 75 identified PVTGs in 18 States and UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the activities  like  housing,  land  distribution,  land development,  agricultural  development,  animal  husbandry,  construction  of  link  roads, installation  of  non-conventional  sources  of  energy  for  lighting  purpose,  social  security including JanashreeBima Yojana or any other innovative activity meant for the comprehensive socio-economic development of PVTGs. The scheme is flexible as it enables the States to focus on areas that they consider is relevant to PVTGs and their socio-cultural environment.
12. Tribal  Festival,  Research  Information  and  Mass  Education: Through  the  scheme, promotion  of  rich  tribal  cultural  heritage,  dissemination  of  information  and  creation  of awareness  are  given  attention  to,  which  includes  organization  of  Tribal  Craft  and  Food Festivals,  Sports,  Music,  Dance  and  Photo  Competitions,  Science,  Art  and  Craft  Expos, Workshops, Seminars, Production of documentary films by the Ministry and States, Bringing out  Publications  thereby  highlighting  significant  studies,  documenting  historical  facets  of tribal communities, achievements of Ministry of tribal Affairs (MoTA)  and State departments besides other advertisements etc. at regular intervals. With a view to fill the gap of research studies on tribal issues, MoTA recognizes renowned NGOs, Research Institutes, Universities  where  expertise  exist  and  which  have  already  made  a  mark  by  carrying  out

pioneering  research  in  the  field  of  tribal  cultures  as  Centre  of  Excellences  (CoEs).  It  is envisaged  that  CoEs  should  play  an  important  role  in  building  knowledge  bank  to complement dedicated Activities of the Ministry.

13. Equity  Support  to  National  Scheduled  Tribes  Finance  and  Development  Corporation (NSTFDC)/State Tribal Finance and Development Corporations (STFDCs): NSTFDC is an apex organisation set up exclusively for economic development of Scheduled Tribes. The Corporation continues to function as a catalytic agent for promoting economic development activities of STs by providing financial assistance at concessional rates of interest.  The main objectives of NSTFDC are (i)to identify economic activities of importance to the Scheduled Tribes so as to generate self-employment and raise their income level; (ii) to upgrade their skills and processes through both institutional and on the job training; (iii) 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;  (iv)  to  assist  SCAs  in  project  formulation,  implementation  of  NSTFDC  assisted schemes and in imparting training to their personnel and (v) to monitor implementation of NSTFDC 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 Government  and  Central Government. The  main objectives of the scheme  are (i) identification of eligible ST families and motivating them to undertake economic development  schemes;  (ii)  Sponsoring  those  schemes  to  financial  institutions  for  credit support; (iii) providing financial assistance in form of margin money on low rate of interest; and (iv) providing necessary linkage/tie-up with other poverty alleviation programmes.

14. Institutional Support for Development & Marketing of Tribal Products/Produce : 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  multi-State  Cooperative  under  MoTA.  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.

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