Question : DEVELOPMENT OF SCS STS

(a) whether the Hill Area Development Project funds is to be utilized for the development of Scheduled Tribe (ST) people in the hilly areas and developing tribal villages located in and around forests;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) Whether the Central Empowered Committee is to consider issues relating to the Forest Rights Act, Section 17 lands and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether priority is given for soil and water conservation, forestry, horticulture, welfare of ST, development of urban and rural local tribal bodies, roads and tourism while taking up development work for tribals forest villages; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA)

(a)& (b): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements Special Area Development Programmes, Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan and grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution. These are for welfare of Scheduled Tribes and improving administration of scheduled areas to the rest of the State. Funds released under these programmes at Annex.

(c): There is no Central Empowered Committee constituted under Forest Rights Act, 2006.

(d)& (e): Under the Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan and grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, programmes relating to need based integrated livelihood are supported in order to create enabling environment for tribals which will enable their livelihood at door steps with backward and forward linkages. These include dairy development with State cooperatives, horticulture, floriculture, vegetable production, apiculture, sericulture, fisheries, backyard poultries, etc.