Replying to the un-starred questions of Shri Sunil Kumar, the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey informed lok sabha today that the Government is implementing various schemes for socio-economic development of tribal community in general. Ministry of textiles implements National Handicraft Development Programme [NHDP] and Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme [CHCDS] for overall development of the handicraft’s artisans including tribal artisans. It provides support for marketing, skill development, cluster development, formation of Producer Companies, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructural and technology support, research and development support etc. which are benefitting to the artisans throughout the country including Tribal community. Total 646 Pahchan Identity Cards have been issued to the handicraft artisans (ST) belonging to West Champaran district, Bihar. They can sell their handicrafts products online and offline through participating in marketing programs like Gandhi Shilp Bazaar, Dilli Haat, Ecommerce plat form etc.

Under the scheme of Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) has empanelled 56 artisans/ producers/ suppliers from Tharu community of Bihar with whom 405 number of families are associated and are getting benefits through marketing of their products.

The Government of Bihar has informed that through the Integrated Tharuhat Development Agency, following schemes have been implemented for the social, economic and cultural development of the tribes (including Tharu) of the Tharuhat region of West Champaran:

• Weaver’s workshop-cum-residential building has been constructed for self-employment in Harnatand Panchayat of Block, Bagaha-2, which is fully operational.
• Approval has been given for construction of handloom building at Mishrauli in Bagaha-2.

Apart from this, Government of Bihar is running other programmes to encourage livelihood activities through Jeevika. In the 43 panchayats of Sidhauv Block (Bagaha-2), Ramnagar, Gaunaha and Mainatanr under Tharuhat region, 77871 families have been connected through 6378 self-help groups so far for their capacity building and livelihood activities.

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RN                                                 

(Release ID: 2147860)