Identifying areas covered under tribal sum-plan, discuss the programmers initiated to address to their problems – UPSC Geography Optional Mains 2020

Identifying areas covered under the tribal sub-plan (TSP) involves recognizing regions with significant tribal populations that require targeted development efforts. The TSP areas are primarily located in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand, where tribal communities form a substantial part of the population. These regions often face challenges like poverty, lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure. To address these issues, several programs have been initiated. The Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana focuses on improving the quality of life for tribal people through better education, health services, and employment opportunities. Similarly, the Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide quality education to tribal children. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) aims to ensure housing for all, including tribal families. Other initiatives like the Tribal Health Care Research Program and the PESA Act (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) work towards enhancing healthcare facilities and ensuring self-governance in tribal areas, respectively. These programs collectively aim to bridge the development gap and uplift the socio-economic status of tribal communities.

Introduction:

The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) strategy in India aims to ensure the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs) through targeted allocation of resources. The concept of Tribal Sub-Plans was introduced in the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-1979) and implementation commenced in 17 states and 2 union territories.

Body:

Areas under Tribal Sub-Plans were gradually increased, at the end of the Ninth Five Year Plan (2002), 23 states or union territories were covered.

The areas covered under the TSP include regions with significant tribal populations, primarily in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and several northeastern states like
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

Areas included in the Tribal Sub-Plan are blocks or tehsils with 50 percent or more tribal population. The process of TSP development is led by the tribal welfare departments of the respective states.

Programs under TSP

1. Education Initiatives:
   ○ Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): These schools provide quality education to tribal students in remote areas, with a focus on holistic development.
   ○ Post Matric Scholarships: Financial aid for ST students pursuing higher education to reduce dropout rates.
   ○ Ashram Schools: Residential schools providing primary and secondary education to tribal children.
2. Healthcare Programs:
   ○ Special Central Assistance (SCA) to TSP: Funds allocated for health infrastructure, mobile health units, and telemedicine services in tribal areas.
   ○ Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality by encouraging institutional deliveries among tribal women.
3. Livelihood and Employment:
   ○ Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana: Focuses on the comprehensive development of tribal areas by improving infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing quality of life.
   ○ Skill Development Programs: Initiatives like the Skill India Mission, providing vocational training and employment opportunities to tribal youth.
4. Agriculture and Allied Activities:
   ○ Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA): Supports agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and irrigation projects tailored to the needs of tribal farmers.
   ○ Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Development: Encourages sustainable harvesting and value addition of minor forest products, which are a significant source of income for many tribal communities.
5. Infrastructure Development:
   ○ Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Enhances rural connectivity in tribal areas, improving access to markets, healthcare, and education.
   ○ National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP): Provides safe drinking water in tribal regions.
6. Housing and Basic Amenities:
   ○ Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Affordable housing for tribal families under various schemes tailored to rural and urban settings.
   ○ Saubhagya Scheme: Ensures household electrification in tribal areas.
7. Social and Cultural Development:
   ○ Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs): Document and promote tribal culture, traditions, and knowledge systems.
   ○ Special Central Assistance (SCA) for tribal festivals and fairs: Financial support for the preservation and celebration of tribal heritage.

Addressing challenges:

These programs are designed to address various challenges faced by tribal communities, such as:

• Education and Literacy: High dropout rates and lack of access to quality education.
• Healthcare: High maternal and infant mortality rates, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare facilities.
• Economic Development: Unemployment, underemployment, and dependency on traditional agriculture and forest produce.
• Infrastructure: Poor connectivity, inadequate housing, and lack of basic amenities like water and electricity.
• Cultural Preservation: Erosion of traditional knowledge, languages, and cultural practices.

Conclusion:

The Tribal Sub-Plan strategy ensures that a proportionate amount of funds from various sectors are earmarked for tribal development, promoting inclusive growth and helping to bridge the socio-economic gap between tribal and non-tribal populations.

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