Steps for Delivery of Services to Tribal People

Ministry of Tribal Affairs has taken many steps to strengthen institutions viz. Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA)/ Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), Tribal Research Institutions (TRIs) etc. through grants provided under the special Central Assistance to Tribal Sup-Plan and the Article 275(1). States have been allocated specific funds for strengthening of such institutions. Institutions active in development and marketing of tribal products and produce etc. are also supported through a Central Sector Scheme.

The Government has launched a scheme for “Mechanism for marketing of Minor Forest Produce through Minimum Support Price and Development of Value Chain” to ensure fair monetary returns to MFP Gatherers for their efforts in collection, primary processing, storage, packaging, transportation etc. The scheme envisages fixation and declaration of Minimum Support Price for the selected MFP based on the suggestions /inputs received from TRIFED and the States. Procurement and marketing operation at pre- fixed MSP is undertaken by the designated State agencies. The Scheme has initially been implemented in States having areas under Vth schedule of the Constitution of India namely; Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for non- nationalized and abundantly available items out of 12 MFP namely (i) Tendu, (ii) Bamboo, (iii) Mahuwa Seed, (iv) Sal Leaf, (v) Sal Seed, (vi) Lac, (vii) Chironjee, (viii) Wild Honey, (ix) Myrobalan, (x) Tamarind, (xi) Gums (Gum Karaya) and (xii) Karanj.

This information was given by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Samir/jk