Centre launches scheme to ensure holistic development of tribals

New Delhi: The government has launched a new scheme ‘Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojna’ for holistic development of tribals. “Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojna (VKY) has been launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs during 2014-15 for holistic development of tribal people and Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the scheme during the year 2014-14,” Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava told Lok Sabha in a written reply.[caption id=“attachment_1634631” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava. Image courtesy PIB[/caption] He said his ministry supplements efforts of other Central ministries and state governments by implementing schemes for uplift of Scheduled Tribes in the country including Northeastern states. Some of the schemes include hostels for ST girls and boys, scheme for establishment of ashram school in Tribal Sub Plan areas, post matric scholorships and others. In addition to these schemes, the ministry administers two special area programmes namely grant under Article 275 (1) of Constitution and the Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan for upliftment of tribal population including North Eastern states. As per census 2011, 94.4 percent of the total population in Mizoram comprises Scheduled Tribes while in Meghalaya and Nagaland, 86.1 percent and 86.5 percent of the total population respectively are STs. As per figures, a total of Rs 2,449.63 lakhs has been released in various states under the scheme of hostels for ST boys and girls in 2014-15 (as on 23.7.2014). In 2014-15 (as on 14 July 2014), Rs 82,10,620 has been released to state societies and NGOs under the scheme of strengthening education among ST girls in low literacy districts, the minister said. He said Rs 25525.26 lakhs has been released in 2014-15 under SCA to TSP. Replying to another question, he said the government has no proposal to establish National Tribal Museum in the country. The Central sector scheme Grant In Aid to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) implemented by tribal affairs ministry focuses on promoting tribal culture, customs and art. Under the scheme, financial support is provided to TRIs for documentation and preservation of tribal heritage, organising tribal exhibitions, dance-painting sports events and others. In 2013-14, Rs 273.69 lakhs has been released to TRIs across the country, the minister said. PTI