HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 168 : Model Answer

QUESTION: Discuss the relevant Schemes of Scheduled Tribes Development Department. (8 marks/120 words)

Answer:

The Department works with the objective of providing special attention to the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Tribes of the state.

The Scheduled Tribes Development Department has the following Schemes:

1. Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub- Plan (TSP): SCA to TSP is a 100 percent grant from GoI to be utilized for the economic development of ITDP, ITDA, MADA, Clusters and dispersed tribal populations. The objective is to invest in the human resource development of tribal communities to enhance their access to education and health; provide basic amenities in tribal areas; reduce poverty and unemployment by creation of productive assets and income generating opportunities; and to protect them against exploitation.
2. Grants in Aid under Article 275 (1): are 100 percent annual grants from GoI to be utilised for socio economic development of ITDP, MADA, & Clusters. The objective is the same as that provided for SCA to TSP, but prioritises the use of funds in following areas a) Education – 40 – 50 percent, b) Health – 10 – 15 percent, c) Agriculture and allied sector 20 – 30 percent d) Other income generating schemes to augment Tribal economy 10-15 percent.
3. Skill Development for Tribal Communities The scheme uses Conservation cum Development Plan funds for livelihood improvement by promoting skill development in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, non-farm enterprises, forestry, etc., creating employment/ selfemployment opportunities (through establishment of microenterprises) and providing market linkages. Scheme covers modern as well as traditional skills.
4. Vocational Training in Tribal Areas (VTC) : The scheme is to upgrade the skills of tribal youth in various traditional / modern vocations depending upon their educational qualification, market trends and potential- to enable them to be gainfully employed. One-third seats are reserved for tribal girls.
5. 5. Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP : This centrally sponsored scheme provides social safety to MFP gatherers who are mostly Scheduled Tribes. The scheme seeks to ensure fair monetary returns for their collection, processing, storage, packaging, and transportation efforts and share revenue from the sale proceeds with them. The scheme also aims to work on medium & long term measures like sustainable collection, value addition, infrastructure development, knowledge expansion on MFP, development of market intelligence, strengthening the bargaining power of village institutions- Gram Sabha and Panchayats. The state has recently launched a scheme -Van Samriddhi Jan Samriddhi Yojana- anchored on this scheme to maximise economic returns for households (tribal as well as non-tribal) engaged in collection and sales of NTFPs and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) through formation and strengthening of local collectives Community User Groups (CUGs).
6. Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products / Produce: To give comprehensive support on the entire range of production, product development, preservation of traditional heritage, support to both forest and agricultural produce and support is provided to institutions to carry these activities. This includes support for improvement of infrastructure, development of designs, dissemination of information about prices and procurement agencies, support to government agencies for sustainable marketing and for ensuring remunerative prices, hand holding Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas through information dissemination and awareness generation
7. Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED): TRIFED functions both as a service provider as well as market maker for tribal products, including MFPs. It also imparts training and capacity building support to ST Artisans and tribal MFP gatherers on sustainable harvest techniques, primary processing and marketing.

Conclusion: These Schemes have contributed immensely in Socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Tribes of the state.