Local self-government institutions (LSGIs) should ensure that funds earmarked for projects for the Scheduled Tribes are spent. In case of any lapses on the part of officials, steps will be taken to bring them before law. The government is considering enacting legislation to this end, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes A.K. Balan has said.
He was speaking after inaugurating Agasthyotsavam, a cultural festival of the Kani community, organised by the district panchayat and the Integrated Tribal Development Project, Nedumangad, at VJT Hall here on Tuesday.
The Minister said that in India, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes comprised 25% of the population, but the Union government did not allocate funds in proportion to their numbers. The fund allocation came to only 12%. However, in the State, the SC/ST population was 11.5% and the allocation for them was 12.5%. More funds had been set aside in the Budget for SCs and STs this year, the Minister said.
Job opportunities
Steps would be taken to create more job opportunities in the tribal belt. Avenues should be found to tap their traditional skills and ensure fair wages to them to address their unemployment problems. Quality of products and diversification were essential, he said.
The Minister said a major cause for tribal children dropping out of school was that they were not being taught in their languages. The government decision to provide jobs to those with TTC and B.Ed. qualifications and who were fluent in tribal languages stemmed from this. The government would pay special attention to checking dropout rates, he said.
Scheduled Tribes would be given special consideration in police, excise, and public sector units.
Employment initiatives would be drawn up for the educated. Job opportunities through Kudumbasree were also envisaged.
Houses to be built
The Minister said houses would be built for 3,000 landless tribal families. The government aimed at providing houses for all landless tribals within three years.
Community study rooms would be set up in tribal settlements. All hostels would be renovated and 17 new hostels would be started. An amount of ₹250 crore had been allocated for this, Mr. Balan said.
K. Muraleedharan, MLA, who delivered the keynote address, also inaugurated an exhibition-sum-sale of forest produce. District panchayat president V.K. Madhu presided over the function.
Mayor V.K. Prasanth was present.
