Question : ARTICLE 275(1) OF THE CONSTITUTION

(a) whether the Government has provided budgetary assistance for improvement and development of tribal areas of Odisha and Jharkhand as enshrined under Article 275(1) of the Constitution during the last three years and the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the utilisation reported by the State Government during the aforesaid period, scheme-wise;

(c) whether the Government has undertaken any review of the work done/schemes meant for development and improvement of tribals in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the monitoring mechanism in place to ensure proper implementation of the schemes meant for the welfare of tribals?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SMT. RANEE NARAH)

(a): Yes, Madam. Grants have been provided to Odisha and Jharkhand for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas as enshrined under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution of India. Funds under this Programme help the State Governments to bridge the gaps in critical areas in sectors like education, health, drinking water, electrification, communication, rural marketing, water harvesting, tribal land management etc.

(b): A statement showing releases made by the Ministry under Grants under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution of India to various States including Odisha and Jharkhand during the last three years and the current financial year is at Annexure.

(c) & (d): With a view to ascertain the magnitude of the development and resultant outcomes vis-à-vis investment, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs conducted a evaluation study for the first four years of the 10th Five Year Plan for 12 States including Odisha and Jharkhand through Water & Power Consultancy Services (I) Ltd. (WAPCOS). As per findings of the study, with the strengthening of basic infrastructure like education & vocational training, health care, road connectivity and micro-level irrigation, the tribal community has shown improvement in their quality of life. Additionally National Institute of Rural Development has also been entrusted with the evaluation of this special area programme.

(e): As per the guidelines of this programme, the State Governments are primarily responsible for monitoring who are required to formulate and operate efficient monitoring of the programmes on their own. This Ministry does secondary level monitoring through various measures such as:

(i) Utilization Certificates in respect of grant released previously;

(ii) Progress reports from the State Governments regarding the status of implementation of schemes.

(iii) Spot visits by the officials of this Ministry.

(iv) Meetings/ conferences at the Central level with State Governments.