Question : DEVELOPMENT OF TRIBAL AREAS



(a) whether the Government proposes to give special package to some State Governments including Odisha in the current financial year for development of tribal areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the funds sanctioned and released for the purpose, State-wise?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI MAHADEO SINGH KHANDELA)

(a) to (c): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements various Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes/Programmes for the socio-economic development of tribal people in the country including in Odisha.

As intimated by Planning Commission, there is no proposal to give Special Package in the current financial year for the development of tribal areas. However, backward and tribal districts are covered under the two specific programmes namely, Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) and Integrated Action Plan(IAP) for Selected Tribal and Backward Districts of selected states including Odisha. The district component of BRGF covers 19 districts of Odisha including 8 KBK districts. Further, the 8 KBK districts are also covered under the Special Plan for KBK districts. In addition, the IAP which initially covered 15 districts of Odisha presently covers 18 districts, including 8 KBK districts.