National Tribal Policy to Address Tribal Concerns

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has formulated a draft “National Tribal Policy” identifying the strengths of tribal traditions and culture, covering all important issues of tribals. The Policy derives strength from the principles enshrined in the Constitution and the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. Simultaneously, the Policy also. The main issues covered in the Policy relate to : Alientation of Tribal Land; Tribal –Forest Interface; Displacement, Resettlement & Rehabilitation; Enhancement of Human Development Index; Creation of Critical infrastructure; Violent Manifestations; Conservation & Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs); Adoption of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Strategy; Empowerment; Gender Equity; Enlisting Support of Non-Governmental Organisation; Tribal Culture & Traditional Knowledge; Administration of Tribal Areas; the Regulatory & Protective Regime etc.

The draft Policy aims at addressing the crucial issues concerning tribals by adopting a strategy which includes mainly:-

I. Devolution of more powers to local bodies in Scheduled/Tribal Areas.

II. Developing a quantifiable Tribal Development Index.

III. Preparation of a separate Tribal centric strategy in each of the social and development sectors.

IV. Strengthening ITDPs/ITDAs, MADAs and Clusters in tribal areas to make them the focal point of development & regulatory functions.

V. Adopting Area Planning approach in the Scheduled /Tribal Areas.

VI. Encouraging affirmative action by industries to improve the Human Development Index.

VII. Supporting Voluntary action in service deficient far flung areas.

VIII. Empowerment of the community in terms of the provisions of the PESA Act to ensure involvement and control of the community in planning and implementation of programmes.

IX. Ensuring that jobs are filled by local ST candidates by relaxation of qualification (if necessary) and building up their capacity after recruitment.

This information was given by Shri. Tushar A. Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.