Question : NEW TRIBAL POLICY



(a) whether the Government has prepared a New Tribal Policy;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (DR. TUSHAR A. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c) Yes, Madam, Ministry of Tribal Affairs has formulated a draft National Tribal Policy in order to address the critical issues concerning tribals viz. lower Human Development Index, poor infrastructure, diminishing control over the natural resource base, persistent threats of eviction from their natural habitat, exclusion from mainstream society, inequality in distribution of wealth and opportunities, non-empowerment and inadequate implementation of Constitutional provisions and to ensure their active and informed participation in development. The draft policy aims at ensuring access of the Scheduled Tribes to mainstream education, health care and income generation to improve the quality of their life. The finalization of the policy is under process. No time frame for implementation can be given at this stage.