Question : DEVELOPMENTAL SCHEMES FOR TRIBAL POPULATION

(a) whether the Government is providing budgetary support with a separate head for the development of tribals in proportion to their population;

(b) if so, the project-wise details thereof alongwith the details of increase in per capita income State-wise during each of last three years;

(c) whether the funds have fully been appropriated or utilised provided;

(d) if not, the State-wise details thereof, for each of the last three years and the current year alongwith reasons therefor and the action taken by the Union Government in this regard; and

(e) the steps taken/ being taken by the Union Government to ensure that the benefits of growth also reach the needy and deserving tribals during the remaining period of the Eleventh Five Year Plan?

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

(a) & (b): Guidelines have been issued by the Planning Commission for drawing up of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) by various TSP States. Under the TSP strategy, the most significant aspect is to ensure a flow of funds for TSP areas at least in proportion to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of each State. Through TSP approach, the Government aims to narrow the gap between the levels of development of tribals and the rest of the population. The onus is on the State Governments to work out measures for successful implementation of their schemes with a view to achieve the specified goals and this Ministry does not maintain the requisite data.

(c) & (d): A statement showing details of TSP fund flow to various States during the years 2007-08 to 2009-10 is enclosed at Annexed. This Ministry and the Planning Commission are constantly pursuing with the State Governments concerned for implementation of TSP in letter and spirit. Details of expenditure are not maintained by the Ministry.

(e): Schemes under TSP vary from State to State and the Planning Commission lays down the broad contours for State-specific strategy based on the allocation for a Plan period. It is the constant endeavour of the Government to bring the Scheduled tribes at par with the other sections of the society and all the social sector programmes/schemes/ strategies for STs are designed with such an objective.