Question : Survey of Schemes for Tribals

(a) the details of survey conducted by the Government to ensure as to whether the benefits of tribal related schemes are reaching out to the people of scheduled tribe category in tribal areas;

(b) the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) the details of the steps taken by the Government during the previous year to ensure that the benefits of such schemes reach upto the last person belonging to scheduled tribe in the tribal area; and

(d) the details of the outcome of such steps taken by the Government?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI JASWANTSINH BHABHOR)

(a) to (d): Government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy for overall development of STs across the country, which includes support for education, health, sanitation, water supply, skill development, livelihood, infrastructure, etc. Major part of infrastructure development and provision of basic amenities in tribal areas / regions in the country is carried out through various schemes / programmes of concerned Central Ministries and the State Governments concerned, while the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides additive to these initiatives by way of plugging critical gaps.
Evaluation of schemes / programmes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is done through outside agency / third party and its findings / recommendations have been shared with the concerned States / UTs for rectification / appropriate action. In addition to this, senior officers from the Ministry carry out physical inspection in the States and regional meetings with the State Governments are also held from time to time in order to ensure smooth implementation of schemes / programmes for the tribals.

With a view to ensure transparency and smooth implementation its schemes, a Mechanism of Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) has been introduced by the Ministry for appraisal and approval of projects of States Governments. The Committee is headed by Secretary (Tribal Affairs) with representatives of State Governments, Financial Adviser, NITI Aayog, etc. Based on feedback received during the meetings, project proposals are fine-tuned accordingly.

The Census of India figures for the years 2001 and 2011 show that the literacy rate of Scheduled Tribes (STs) has increased to 59% in 2011 from 47.1% in 2001 at all India level. Various other indicators relating to health, education, livelihood, living conditions, etc., in respect of STs, as reflected in Census 2011 and other socio-economic survey reports have shown improvement in the status of STs.

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