DIMAPUR, AUGUST 13 (MExN): The Nagaland State Government has created a new Department for Tribal Affairs.
A notification issued by the DIPR today listed out the various functions and duties of the new department. Among the issues to be dealt with include supporting the scheme for the Tribal Research Institute.
It will also deal with schemes for institutional support for development and marketing of tribal products, minimum support price for minor forest produce, and equity support to NSTFDC/STFDCs.
With regard to Non Governmental Organization (NGO), the department will deal with vocational training centers in tribal areas; Grant in Aid to voluntary organizations working for welfare of STs; development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs); and work towards strengthening education among ST girls in low literacy districts.
Under State Grants, the notification informed that the department would be involved in special central assistance to Tribal Sub Scheme; grants under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution of India; Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs); vocational training centers in tribal areas; establishment of Ashram Schools in tribal sub-plan areas; and centrally sponsored scheme of hostels for ST boys and girls.
The organizational structure of the new department was laid out as: one Assistant Director (Re-deployment), one Superintendent-cum-Accounts Officer (Re-deployment from Treasuries & Accounts Department), two UDAs (Re-deployment from Departments), creation of four LDA-cum-Computer Assistant posts, creation of three Office Multitasking Assistant (Grade-IV) posts, and creation of two Driver posts.
The Central Division, Kohima under the Works & Housing Department will supervise all civil works in the Tribal Affairs Department.
The Finance Department will provide a separate demand number with all Head of Accounts and RFC numbers to complete formalities with the Accountant General’s Office to facilitate financial transactions.
The ongoing projects already sanctioned will be implemented by the Planning Department. However, for the current year, project arrangement will be decided by the two departments with approval of the Chief Minister.
