Expressing concern over the delay in finalisation and implementation of a national tribal policy, a parliamentary committee has urged the government to take speedy action in this regard.
In a report presented today, the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment said that it had in its Third Report of Demands for Grants (2014-15) recommended the need for finalising and implementation of the national tribal policy which has much to offer to tribals of the country.
"However, the committee is despondent to note that draft National Tribal Policy formulated in the year 2006 is yet to see light of the day. The committee, therefore, again urges the government to take speedy action and finalise the National Tribal Policy so that the tribals could reap its much awaited benefits without waiting endlessly," the panel headed by BJP MP Ramesh Bais said in its report.
The committee also noted that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs had requested for allocation of funds amounting to Rs 5513.60 crore during 2015-16 for different schemes but Rs 4792.19 crore had been allocated by Ministry of Finance.
It said that due to reduction in allocation, major schemes like Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan (SCA to TSP), Umbrella Scheme for the Education of ST Children etc would be affected.
"The Committee would like to exhort the Ministry to ensure that funds made available are prudently and optimally utilised so that they have a strong claim for enhanced allocation for these schemes from the Ministry of Finance at RE (revised estimates) stage," it said.
The committee also noted with concern that sickle cell anaemia is very high among tribal community and called for setting up of research centres in tribal areas so that counseling could be given at an early stage.
It also recommended that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare redesign primary and secondary health services in Scheduled Areas.
