(a) Whether the Government proposes to review the schemes running for tfibals welfare in tribal areas keeping in view
of increasing case of malnutrition and starvation in those areas; and
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the steps being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to control the
situation of malnutrition and starvation?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI P.R. KYNDIAH)
(a) &(b) The Union Government has been implementing schemes to enhance availability of food grains in the targetted areas
of the country, including tribal areas. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has been inter-alia implementing
the scheme of Antyodaya Anna Yojana under which 2 crores Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families are being covered, which are
provided 35 Kg. food grains per family per month at a highly subsidized rates of Rs.2.00 per Kg. for wheat and Rs.3.00 per
Kg for rice. To ensure food security and strengthen Targeted Public Distribution System (PTDS), it has been recommended in
a conference of State Food Ministers held in 2004, to involve women and ex-servicemen`s cooperatives for the management of
PDS as well as for micro-level planning. Like-wise, the Deptt. of Women and Child Development has also been implementing
Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) which aims at holistic development of children below 6 years and
pregnant and lactating mothers. Under the scheme, integrated services, comprising supplementary nutrition, immunization,
health check up, referral services, pre-school education and nutrition and health education, are provided to all the
beneficiaries including Scheduled Tribes.