'Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojna': Scheme for holistic development of tribals launched

A new scheme named ‘Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojna’ for holistic development of tribals has been launched by the government. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the scheme for holistic development of tribal people and Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the scheme during the year 2014-14. The Ministry has also started several other schemes which include hostels for ST girls and boys, scheme for establishment of ashram school in Tribal Sub Plan areas, post-matric scholarships and others.
Besides these schemes, the ministry administers two special area programmes namely grant under Article 275 (1) of Constitution and the Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan for upliftment of tribal population including North Eastern states.
As per census 2011, 94.4% of the total population in Mizoram comprises Scheduled Tribes (STs) while the percentage of STs in Meghalaya and Nagaland is 86.1% and 86.5% respectively. As per figures, a total of Rs 2449.63 lakhs has been released in various states under the scheme of hostels for ST boys and girls in 2014-15 (as on 23.7.2014).  In 2014-15 (as on July 14, 2014), Rs 82,10,620 has been released to state societies and NGOs under the scheme of strengthening education among ST girls in Low Literacy districts. The governments has also released Rs 25525.26 lakhs in 2014-15 under SCA to TSP.
The central sector scheme Grant In Aid to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) implemented by the Ministry focuses on promoting tribal culture, customs and art. The scheme provides financial assistance to TRIs for documentation and preservation of tribal heritage, organizing tribal exhibitions, dance-painting sports events and others. Rs 273.69 lakhs was released to TRIs across the country in 2013-14.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2014

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs