Aiming at empowering adivasis and forest dwellers, Tribal Affairs Ministry today launched a scheme to provide them loans to cultivate coarse grain and other minor forest products.
The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) under the ministry also signed an agreement with All India Radio to broadcast and promote schemes run by it in tribal dialects and languages.
"Under the Tribal Forest Dwellers Empowerment Scheme, the Corporation will provide loans and financial assistance to help tribals develop coarse grain cultivation and collect minor forest produce from their areas," Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo told reporters here after launching the scheme.
He also said the decision will help in correcting the "historical injustice done against tribals for centuries".
"The scheme which will help tribals make best use of the land allotted to them under the Forest Rights Act. These lands cannot be sold or mortgaged. It is not a bonanza or charity also," Deo said.
The program was also attended by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Ranee Narah, Tribal Affairs Secretary Vibha Puri Das and AIR Director General L D Mandloi.
