Empowerment Funds for Scheduled Tribes

Summary of the Utilization of Funds for the Empowerment of Scheduled Tribes (STs)

The Indian government, through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), has initiated various programs and schemes to empower Scheduled Tribes (STs) and promote their development. The significant framework includes a Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), designed to facilitate targeted and effective resource allocation for the welfare of tribal communities.

Key Initiatives and Findings:

• Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST):

  • Implemented by the MoTA.
  • Involves 41 ministries/departments allocating a percentage of their budgets to tribal development initiatives.
  • Projects focus on education, health, agriculture, housing, and employment, monitored through an online system (https://stcmis.gov.in).

• Utilization and Monitoring of Funds:

  • Funds are tracked through the Public Finance Management System (PFMS).
  • Each state government must earmark funds according to the ST population (Census 2011).

• Major Schemes/Programs:

  • DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA):

    • Launched on October 2, 2024.
    • Aimed at saturating infrastructural gaps in 63,843 villages with a budget of ₹79,156 crore.

  • Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN):

    • Launched on November 15, 2023.
    • Funding of ₹24,000 crore focuses on improving basic facilities for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG).

  • Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM):

    • Aims to promote tribal livelihoods through Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and development of value chains.

  • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):

    • Established for quality education, targeting up to 440 schools for tribal children.

  • Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution:

    • Financial assistance for infrastructure in Scheduled Areas, 100% grants provided for welfare initiatives.

  • Scholarship Programs:

    • Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for ST students with parental income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakhs.
    • National Overseas Scholarships for higher studies abroad, targeting students with family income below ₹6 lakhs.

• Financial Allocation Overview (2014-2025):

  • Funding under the various schemes has seen a substantial increase over the years:
    • Article 275(1) grants increased from ₹1,126 crore in 2014-15 to projected ₹1,170.57 crore in 2024-25.
    • Post Matric Scholarships: ₹721.01 crore in 2014-15 to ₹2,598.34 crore in 2023-24.

• Beneficiary Statistics:

  • In 2022-23, over 15 lakh beneficiaries were reported under voluntary organizations helping STs.
  • EMRSs reported approximately 138,336 enrolled students in the last recorded year.

Implementation and Review:

• Regular meetings are convened by MoTA with various ministries to oversee fund allocation and implementation.
• Adherence to NITI Aayog’s guidelines is emphasized for effective fund utilization.

Important Bullet Points:

• MoTA implements the DAPST for tribal development, engaging multiple ministries.
• Online monitoring of allocated funds is facilitated through the STCMIS portal.
• Key initiatives include DAJGUA and PM JANMAN, targeting infrastructure and basic amenities for STs.
• Article 275(1) grants provide financial support for raising administrative levels in Scheduled Areas.
• Extensive scholarship programs support education for ST students at various levels.
• Yearly budget allocations indicate increasing commitment to tribal welfare, with significant improvements in the financial outlays for related schemes.
• Beneficiary statistics show increasing support for education and welfare initiatives among ST communities.