Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana has been launched by Central Government of India for holistic development and welfare of tribal population of India. The scheme as outlined by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is launched on a pilot basis and will be implemented in only 1 block in each of the 10 states being selected for the scheme. The states which have been picked are Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Orissa, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The areas in the states have been selected based on recommendations of the respective state governments.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs had launched the scheme in July 2014 and Rs. 100 crore has been allocated for the scheme during the year 2014-15. 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.

Aims of Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

The scheme proposes to bring tribal population of the country at par with other social groups and include them in overall progress of the nation. It seeks to erect sound institutional mechanisms which will help all the benefits of all Central and State schemes to reach the target populations by convergence of resources. The government aims for holistic development of tribals by plugging in the infrastructural gaps and lags in human development indices. The initial phase will target blocks having atleast 33% tribal population. Also, the already existing institutions which carry out delivery of goods and services in the economy need to be strengthened further. The funds which are allocated by the state governments should be properly used to build robust systems of implementation. Also, initiatives will be taken to promote skill development and generate employment  to provide sustainable development and decent living to the tribal people. Thus, they can be grouped as:

• Provision of a better living standard and quality of life
• Improving access to and quality of education
• Generating resources for long-term and sustainable growth
• Bridging infrastructural gaps
• Protection of tribal culture and heritage

Proposed Strategies in the scheme

1. The first strategy which the VKY seeks to employ is to strengthen the institutions and mechanisms already in place. This will be done by addressing all the bottlenecks and issues at the administrative, technical and financial level. These institutions include Tribal Welfare departments as the top department, ITDA Integrated Tribal Development Agency, ITDP Integrated Tribal Development Projects etc. Also, government has proposed to set p new institutions as time calls for.
2. Another primary focus of the scheme is to converge all the resources and activities which are centred on tribal welfare. Such convergence will add more synergy and help speeden progress of such areas.
3. Proper and streamlined planning in which outcomes can be mearsured and monitored. This will also depend on the assessments of Panchayati Raj institutions.
4. Monitoring the funds allocated for tribal welfare and ensuring that they reach the target areas and people for the designated schemes. This will in a way confirm that Tribal Sub-Plan components of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and the State Plans reach the areas inhabited by tribal people. A Project Implementation Cell will also be set up at Central Government level with Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Government will also seek services from various academic institutions, research organisations, tribal research institutions for monitoring the implementation and progress of various tribal welfare schemes.

Steps being taken

• Sustainable development by generating quality means of livelihood
• Ensuring quality education for all
• Gender responsiveness
• Ensuring good health and healthcare facilities
• Provision of safe drinking water
• Road connectivity
• Irrigation facilities as matched with the terrain
• Urbanisation
• Electricity supply
• Conservation of tribal cultures, languages and heritages
• Development of sports

Issues/Irritants in implementation of Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

1. Implementation of schemes lack
2. Allocation of funds available for Tribal Sub Plan component of CSS or State plans
3. Absence of a proper education and learning
4. Physical remoteness of the tribal area