(a) The number of hostels for tribals/Schedule Tribes (STs) students presently functioning in the country along with the number of students benefitted therefrom, State/UT-wise;
(b) Whether there has been no increase in such hostels inspite of increase in students from STs;
(c) If so, the reasons therefor; and
(d) The steps taken by the Government to set up more such hostels for ST students in the country including Rajasthan and Bihar along with the achievement made in this regard?
MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JUAL ORAM)
(a): The requisite details sought in this part of the question are given in the Annexure.
(b), (c) & (d): No, Madam. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs plan scheme for construction of hostels for ST boys and girls is demand driven. Under this scheme, requests received from all State/UT Administrations, including the State Governments of Rajasthan and Bihar, are considered and sanctioned according to the availability of funds. Thus, the number of hostels for ST students is increasing every year, as given in the Annexure to part (a).