The Ministry of Tribal Affairs was constituted in October, 1999, with the objective of providing more focused attention on the integrated socio-economic development of the most under-privileged sections of the Indian Society, namely, the Scheduled Tribes (STs.). Several major programmes have been implemented by the Ministry for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Special Central Assistance to TSP

Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan is provided to the State Governments as an additive to the State Plan in areas where State Plan provisions are not normally forthcoming to bring about a more rapid economic development of tribals in the States. The Scheme was launched as early as in Fifth Five-Year Plan. The objective and scope of SCA to TSP, which was originally meant for filling up of the critical gaps in the family-based income-generation activities of the TSP, has been expanded to cover the employment-cum-income generation activities and the infrastructure incidental thereto not only family-based, but also run by the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Community. The ultimate objective of extending SCA to TSP is to boost the demand-based income-generation programmes and thus raise the economic and social status of tribals.  30% of the funds released are meant for activities benefiting women beneficiaries.  The fund releases under SCA to TSP are based on the population and area of STs in the States concerned.  

            Grand under Article 275(1) is provided to the State Governments having ST population for promotion of welfare of STs and strengthening of the Administration of scheduled Areas. 

Development of Forest Villages

This programme is also funded under the Head ‘SCA to TSP’ and was launched during 2005-06 as a one time measure for integrated development of forest villages with a view to raise the Human Development Index (HDI) of the inhabitants of the Forest Villages and to provide basic facilities and services.  Initially this programme was expected to last till the end of the 10^th Plan (i.e. 2006-07), however, this is being continued during 11^th Plan period, keeping in view the need for providing sufficient amenities to these forest villages. Presently there are 2,474 forest villages/habitations spread over 12 States and the Ministry has approved proposals covering 2,413 forest villages in 12 States and also released Rs.59,856.26 lakh as on date.  Under the programme, infrastructure work relating to basic services and facilities viz. approach roads, healthcare, primary education, minor irrigation, rainwater harvesting, drinking water, sanitation, community halls, etc., are taken up for implementation. 

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)    

            The Ministry has been implementing the scheme of establishing Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in the country since 1997-1998, out of funds under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India, for providing quality education to Scheduled Tribe students in tribal areas.  To improve the education infrastructure and standard of education of ST students from 6^th to 12^th Standard in tribal areas, these schools are modeled on the lines of Navodaya Vidyalayas. 

Scheme of Hostels for ST Girls and Boys         

Under the Scheme of Hostels for ST Girls & Boys,  Central assistance is given to States/ UTs for construction of new hostel buildings and/ or extension of existing hostels.   The Scheme of Construction of Hostels for Scheduled Tribe boys and girls has been continued in the Eleventh Five Year Plan period with  certain modifications, such as Central Assistance for Construction of ST Girls Hostels in all States/UTs/Universities will be 100%; Central Assistance for construction of boys hostels for ST boys will be 100% in identified naxal affected areas and will remain at 50% in all other areas.  Universities in naxal-affected areas would be entitled to receive 100% Central assistance.

Establishment of Ashram Schools

The scheme of Ashram School was launched in 1990-91 with the objective of extending facilities like establishment of residential schools for States in an environment conducive to learning, to increase the literacy rates among the tribal students and to bring them at par with the other population of the country. 

Upgradation of Merit of ST Students

The scheme provides 100% central assistance to the States/UTs to upgrade the merit of ST students by providing them remedial and special coaching in classes IX to XII.    A package grant of Rs. 15,000/- per student per year is provided and the State/UTs are not required to bear any financial burden.  

Vocational Training Centres in Tribal Areas

The scheme was launched in 1992-93 to develop skill of tribal youths in order to gain employment or for self employment. and is being implemented through the States/UTs, Institutions or Organizations set up by Government as autonomous bodies, educational and other local bodies NGOs.  The capacity of each Vocational Training Centre is 100 with hostel facility for 50.

Educational Complex in Low Literacy pockets for development of women literacy

The gender specific scheme was introduced in 1993-94 for improving literacy among ST girls in low literacy districts with less than 10% literacy as per 1991 census, and implemented through Non-Governmental Organizations/or institutes set up by Government as autonomous bodies/educational and other institutions like Local Bodies and Cooperative Societies.  The Ministry provides 100% assistance for setting up and running of the educational complexes.  The assistance is provided @ Rs.9000/- per girl per annum.  The assistance includes provision for free schooling, uniforms, books, medical support etc. 

Development of Primitive Tribal Groups 

Among Scheduled Tribes, there are certain tribal communities who have stagnant or declining population, low level of literacy, pre-agricultural level of technology and are economically backward.  75 such groups in 17 States and 1 Union Territory have been identified and categorized as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs).  As per 1991 census, their total population is about 25 lakhs.  Most of these groups are small in number, have extremely critical human development indices and generally inhabit remote localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support.  Therefore, they become the most vulnerable section among Scheduled Tribes and the priority is required to be accorded for their protection, and their development.  Therefore, in 1998-99, separate 100% Central Sector Scheme for exclusive development of PTGs, by name “Development of PTGs” was introduced.

Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for ST students

This is a newly launched scheme started in 2005-06. The objective of the scheme is to provide fellowships in the form of financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled Tribes to pursue higher studies, such as M.Phil and Ph.D. The scheme covers all Universities/ Institutions recognized by the University Grant Commission. The number of scholars being assisted as on now is 776 (Xth Plan) & 667 anticipated during 2007-08.

Scheme of Institute of Excellence/ Top Class Institute 

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has introduced a new scholarship scheme of Top Class Education for ST students from the academic year 2007-08 with the objective of encouraging meritorious ST students for pursuing studies at degree and post degree level in any of the identified institutes. There are 127 institutes approved under the scheme in both the Government and private sectors covering the fields of management, medicine, engineering, law and commercial courses. Each Institute has been allocated five awards, with a ceiling of total 635 scholarships per year.

National Overseas Scholarships for Scheduled Tribes

The Scheme provides financial assistance to meritorious students for pursuing higher studies abroad in specified fields of Master level courses, Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral research programmes, in the field of Engineering, Technology and Science for Scheduled Tribes and Primitive Tribal Groups.

Scheme of PMS, Book Bank and Upgradation of Merit of ST students

The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled Tribes pursuing Post-Matriculation recognized courses in recognized institutions.  The scheme covers professional, technical as well as non-professional and non-technical courses at various levels and the scheme also includes correspondence courses including distance and continuing education. 

            As per the scheme maintenance allowance for hostellers is between Rs. 235/- p.m. to 740/- p.m. and for day scholars from Rs.140/- p.m. to Rs.330/- p.m., depending upon the level of courses.  The scheme of Book Bank which was being implemented separately has been merged with the Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship w.e.f. 1.4.2003. As per new norms of the scheme of Post Matric Scholarship books are also provided to deserving ST students pursuing Medical, Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary, Polytechnics, Law, Chartered Accountancy, MBA and Bio-Science courses. The scheme provides for sharing of textbook by two students in respect of graduate level courses and separate set of books is provided to individual students at Post Graduate level and for those pursuing Chartered Accountancy course. A set of books costs between Rs. 2,400/- to Rs. 7,500/-, depending upon the courses.

Recognition of Forest Rights

            The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 seeks to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights on ancestral lands and their habitat were not adequately recognized in the consolidation of State forests during the colonial period as well as in Independent India resulting in historical injustice to them.   The Act has been notified for operation with effect from 31.12.2007 Rules, for  implementing the provisions of the Act, were notified on 1.1.2008

Web-based MIS for online monitoring of the implementation of the Act has also been made and is presently under testing.

*Inputs from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

RTS/VN