Sansad TV: Tribal Budget 2023-24 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been allocated a budget of Rs. 12461.88 crore, which is an increase of 70.69% from the previous year's Revised Estimate (RE) of Rs. 7301.00 crore.
• The Finance Minister has announced initiatives for the betterment of tribals, such as the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, which aims to provide basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, education, health, nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to PVTG families and habitations. 
• Additionally, a National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, ICMR, and the concerned states to address this genetic disease in an integrated manner. 
• The government's focus is on the overall development of STs and bringing them at par with other communities in the country. Various steps have been taken under the DAPST of the obligated Ministries/Departments for the development of tribals. The socio-economic conditions of STs have seen considerable improvements, such as an increase in the literacy rate from 59% in 2011 to 71.6%.

Ways to Promote Tribal Welfare

• Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana: A program to promote tribal entrepreneurship and strengthen clusters of tribals in a market-linked manner.
• Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana: Aims to create an enabling environment for holistic development of tribal people based on their needs and outcomes.
• Ekalavya Model Schools: To provide quality middle and high-level education to Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas and ensure equal opportunities for education and professional growth.
• Minor Forest Produce: A scheme that provides fair monetary returns to MFP gatherers for their labor in collection, processing, packaging, and transportation of forest produce.
• Vocational Training Centres in Tribal Areas: Programs that provide skill development and vocational training to tribal people in their areas.
• Livelihood for Tribal Families: Special focus on providing remunerative livelihoods to tribal families through Self Help Groups and producer enterprises.
• Scholarship to ST Students: A scheme that provides financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe students for their education.
• PM Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana: A program aimed at developing model villages in tribal areas.
• Grant Support to States: The government provides grants to the states for tribal welfare.

Shortcomings in Tribal Welfare

• The benefits of welfare programs have not reached the lower strata of tribal society and have been concentrated in the hands of the upper crust.
• The bureaucracy has failed to fulfill the role of a development agency.
• Local politicians and elites have perpetuated the situation in their self-interest, neglecting the interests of the tribal population.
• Housing is a significant challenge for most tribals, with many living in single-room houses and lacking access to basic amenities such as potable water, sanitation, and electricity.
• Despite various initiatives taken by the government, including the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission and TRIFED, the welfare of the tribal population remains an ongoing concern.

Way Forward

• Improving infrastructure facilities, such as road connectivity, will enhance the quality of life in tribal areas, enabling faster access to health services, better education, and social services. Special attention is being given to repairing and maintaining existing roads in tribal areas.
• The Virginius Xaxa committee, a high-level committee, has made several recommendations, including providing exclusive mining rights to tribals, giving tribals greater autonomy in decisions regarding land acquisition and other common property resources, enforcing the Forest Rights Act and strengthening the PESA.
• State governments must obtain permissions from landowners and occupants for major minerals, and consult with Gram Sabhas in 5th and 6th schedule areas for minor minerals. Before leasing land, all clearances under the Forest Conservation Act and Wildlife Protection Act must be obtained.
• Tribal cooperatives in 5th and 6th schedule areas should be eligible for the grant of licenses for minor minerals.