(a) whether the Government is implementing programmes for Tribal Development through Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs) in the country particularly State of West Bengal;
(b) if so, the details of the programmes in progress; and
(c) the comparative study on the development being undertaken in Ninth and Tenth Five Year Plan?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI P.R. KYNDIAH)
(a)&(b) :Yes, Sir. The Ministry has been implementing following schemes exclusively
through Non-Governmental Organizations in the country including the State of West
Bengal for development of Scheduled Tribes :
(1) Grant-in-aid to Voluntary Organizations– It is a Central Sector Scheme.The
prime objective of the scheme is to enhance the reach of welfare schemes of
Government and fill the gaps in service deficient tribal areas, in the sectors
such as education, health, drinking water, agro-horticultural productivity,
social security net etc. through the efforts of voluntary organizations, and to
provide an environment for socio-economic upliftment and overall development of
the Scheduled Tribes (STs). Under this scheme various projects viz. Residential/
Non-Residential Schools, Hostels,Mobile Dispensaries, 10-Bedded Hospitals,
Computer Training Centres, Mobile Library-cum-Audio Visual Unit, etc. are covered.
During 2006-07, about 510 such projects of NGOs were funded in the country and out
of them, 34 were in West Bengal.
(2) Educational Complex in Low Literacy Pockets for Development of Women’s Literacy
in Tribal Areas – It is also a Central Sector Scheme. Under this scheme, the Ministry
provides financial assistance @ Rs.9000/- per ST girl per annum for free schooling,
boarding and lodging, uniforms, books, food etc. Besides this, the organization
running the educational complex is also required to impart training in craft/vocational
education and practical training in agriculture,horticulture, poultry and related
subjects. During 2006-07, about 84 educational complexes of NGOs/State owned
autonomous societies were funded, and out of them one educational complex has
been funded in West Bengal.There are two other schemes viz. Vocational Training
Centre (VTC) in Tribal Areas and Development of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs),
which are implemented through State Governments as well as NGOs. The details of
these schemes are as under:
(i) Vocational Training Centres (VTC) in Tribal Areas –The main aim of the scheme
is to develop the skills of the tribal youth to enable them to get employment or
become self-employed. It aims to improve their socio-economic condition by
enhancing their income. During 2006-07, about 9 projects of NGOs were funded.
There was no recommendation for a project of VTC from West Bengal during 2006-07.
(ii) Development of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) – It is an exclusive scheme
for development of Primitive Tribal Groups(PTGs).It is a very flexible scheme. Any
activity/work, which is very crucial for the survival, protection and development
of PTGs, can be taken up under this scheme. The activities/works may include
provisions for housing, land distribution,land development, agricultural
development,cattle development, income generation programmes, health care,
infrastructure evelopment, social security etc.During 2006-07, about 38 projects
of NGOs were funded. There was no recommendation for a project of NGO from West
Bengal during 2006-07.
(c) : No comparative study on development undertaken in Ninth and Tenth Five Year
Plan has been conducted by this Ministry.