Question : INCREASE IN PRODUCTION OF FOREST PRODUCE

(a) whether the Government has formulated any scheme to develop mechanism to increase the production of forest produce, its collection and distribution in newly States like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand;

(b) if so, the quantum of financial allocation made to these States under these schemes during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) if not, whether the Government proposes to formulate a scheme to ensure economic development of the tribals living in these States; and

(d) if so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) to (d) The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) deals with the Central Sector Scheme ‘Grants-in-Aid to STDCCs etc for MFP Operations’ which was launched during 1992-93. The details of funds allocated State wise during last three years are given in Annexure-1. Under this scheme, MoTA extends Grants-in-Aid to the State Tribal Development Cooperative Corporations (STDCCs)/Forest Development Corporations (FDCs) etc., through their respective State Governments for:-

(i) increasing the quantum of MFP handled by setting off operational losses, if need be;

(ii) strengthening the share capital base of the Corporation for undertaking Minor Forest Produce (MFP) operations thereby increasing the quantum of MFP presently handled;

(iii) setting up of scientific ware housing facilities, wherever necessary;

(iv) establishing processing industries for value addition with the objective of ensuring maximum returns on the MFPs for the tribals;

(v) giving consumption loans to the tribals; and

(vi) supplementing Research and Development (R&D) efforts.