Question : CONDITION OF FOREST DWELLERS

(a) the number of people living in the forests in the country and number of tribal people out of them;

(b) the number of persons permitted to live in the forest and the number of tribal and non-tribal persons out of them;

(c) whether the tribals have also been permitted to earn their livelihood in the forests;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) if not, the reasons therefor;

(f) whether any study has been conducted of late to know the reasons behind poor financial conditions of the forest dwellers and tribals in the country; and

(g) if so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI P.R. KYNDIAH)

(a) & (b): Demographic details in respect of people living in the forests in the country are maintained by the respective State/Union Territory Governments.

(c) to (e): In view of reply to parts (a) and (b) above, this information is not available.

(f) & (g): No, Sir. There are various reasons for the poor financial condition of the forest dwellers and tribals in the country, like, geographical isolation, lack of connectivity, non-availability of basic amenities, lack of skills, education and awareness, absence of supportive infrastructure and administration, etc