The Jharkhand government has taken a significant step towards the holistic development of tribal communities in the state. A committee, led by former chief secretary Sajal Chakraborty, submitted its comprehensive report to Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday, outlining essential measures to improve the socio-economic condition of the tribal population, particularly in rural areas.{Jharkhand Government’s}
The Committee’s Recommendations: A Path to Empowerment
The committee’s report emphasizes the creation of a Tribal Development Fund, a pioneering initiative aimed at providing low-interest loans to tribal individuals. These loans can be utilized for a myriad of purposes including agriculture, animal husbandry, small businesses, education, and healthcare. This fund will be meticulously managed by a board of trustees, constituting representatives from the government, banking sector, non-governmental organizations, and tribal communities.
Simplifying the cumbersome procedures for availing loans from banks and other financial institutions is another focal point of the committee’s suggestions. Alongside this, the committee has recommended extensive training and awareness programs on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, ensuring the tribal populace is well-equipped to manage their economic activities effectively.
Educational Empowerment and Cultural Preservation
In the realm of education, the committee proposed a special initiative offering scholarships and stipends to tribal students pursuing higher education and vocational courses. Furthermore, it advocated for the establishment of more residential schools and hostels in remote areas, providing access to quality education for tribal children.{Jharkhand Government’s}
Preserving and promoting tribal culture and identity stands as a core tenet of the committee’s recommendations. To achieve this, the establishment of cultural centers, museums, libraries, and archives was proposed. Additionally, the report underscores the need to recognize and support traditional tribal institutions like gram sabhas, panchayats, and village councils, preserving their cultural heritage and social structures.
Legal Safeguards and Data-Driven Development
The committee underlined the importance of upholding the constitutional and legal provisions concerning tribal rights, such as the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, and the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Rules, 2011. To drive policy decisions with accurate data, the committee recommended a comprehensive survey of the tribal population in the state. This survey aims to collect precise data on their socio-economic status, demographic profile, land holdings, forest rights, education level, health indicators, livelihood sources, and cultural practices.
A Glimpse into the Future
The committee expressed optimism that their comprehensive report will guide the government in formulating a holistic and inclusive policy for the welfare and development of Jharkhand’s tribal communities. With these progressive steps, the Jharkhand government aims to create a more prosperous and empowered future for its tribal populace.
