Central organisation NSTFDC implements schemes for self-employment of Scheduled Tribes (STs) by providing concessional financial assistance to individuals/groups of the community for undertaking income-generating activities, Lok Sabha was informed today.
The limit for such government aid is Rs 98,000 per annum for rural and Rs 1.20 lakh per annum for urban areas for all ST communities, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Mansukhbhai Vasava said in a written reply.
The assistance is extended through state channelising agencies and PSU banks/RRBs having refinance agreement with National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) throughout India for eligible STs up to double the poverty line limit, revised with effect from November 5 this year.
"The funds have been released by NSTFDC through state channelising agencies (SCAs) and PSU banks/RRBs having refinance agreement with NSTFDC to 8,67,830 STs for their economic empowerment," Vasava added.
