HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 159 : Model Answer

QUESTION:  Critically examine the various initiatives taken by the Government of Himachal Pradesh for the socioeconomic development of Scheduled Tribes. (8 marks/120 words)

Answer:  

According to the Census 2011 the population of Himachal Pradesh is around 5.7% and the Scheduled areas constitutes around 42% of the total state area. Gaddis, Khampas ,Pangwal,  Kinnaura etc., are the Scheduled Tribes of Himachal Pradesh.

Various initiatives:

 The Tribal Development Department came into existence in 1976 with the objective/purpose to give special focus on the social and economic upliftment of Scheduled Tribes. In Scheduled Area of Himachal Pradesh five Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP) had been opened viz. ITDP Kinnaur at Reckong Peo, ITDP Lahaul at Keylong, ITDP Spiti at Kaza, ITDP Pangi at Killar and ITDP Bharmour with its Headquarter at Shimla.

Single Line Administration: helps in speedy development of the region.

Infrastructural development: The government has focused on various infrastructural development projects like Link roads, Water Supply schemes, Rural Electrification (excluding transmission and distribution), Minor Irrigation schemes, Health, Education, Animal Husbandry, infrastructure for Dairy Development and Marketing, Basic amenities like Water Supply Scheme for common water tap or water connections etc.

Education: Post Matric Scholarship to the students belonging to Scheduled Tribes for studies in India, Construction of Girls Hostels and Boys Hostels for Scheduled Tribes etc.

Economy:  TRIFED helps in marketing and sales of tribal products.

Village Grain Bank Scheme: aims to help marginalized food insecure households who do not have sufficient resources to purchase rations during lean season or natural calamities.

Hast Ship Vikas yojana: provides working capital assistance up to Rs 5000/- to individual as well as group/Society /Association of artisans.

Though various initiatives have been taken by state government but still socioeconomic development has not achieved the desired results. Average Literacy rate of state is around 82% but in Lahaul spiti and Kinnaur it is around 77% and 80 % respectively. Average sex ratio is 972 while Kinnaur has lowest at 818. Apart from this, there is less development of villages near the border areas. The inclusion of tribals with mainstream is still facing various challenges despite various initiatives taken by the government.

Conclusion: Government should develop agricultural industry in villages for better employment chances. Engage youth as partners in their own development and development of their communities.