DIMAPUR, FEB 1 (MExN): The Minister of Tribal Affairs and DONER, P.R. Kyndiah today said that there are 2700 forest villages in the country where the infrastructure development could not be taken up due to various reasons including the restrictions imposed under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 which considered such activities as non-forestry activities. He assured that the Government has decided to take development of the forest villages on a priority basis, for which an amount of Rs. 230 crores was provided in the Budget of 2005-06 for projects for the development of 1624 villages in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. He assured that this process will be continued and adequate funds will be provided during the next year also as to complete the development of all the forest villages within the Tenth Plan period.
Hosting a reception of tribal guest and tableau artists at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi the Minister said that the policy of the Government of India to invite the tribal guests is to provide an opportunity to witness the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital. He stated that this practice was intended to facilitate the tribals to overcome their isolation.
He also said that the tribal guests besides witnessing the Republic Day Parade at Raj Path on 26th January and the Beating the Retreat on 29th January at Vijay Chowk, also called on the President, Vice President and Prime Minister during their stay in Delhi.
Kyndiah also informed about the schemes and programmes being implemented by his Ministry about the welfare and development of the tribals in the country. Speaking on the recent introduction of the Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill-2005, he pointed out that this Bill represents a major paradigm shift in approach towards addressing the concerns of forest- dwelling tribals by providing tenurial security, livelihood and traditional rights to those who have been living in forests for generations without legal protection. He was particularly happy that the Government would be able to undo the historical injustice being inflicted on the forest-dwelling scheduled tribes so far.
About the other measures meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, Kyndiah mentioned about the allocation of funds for providing minor irrigation facilities in tribal areas.
He also said that the new Girls’ Hostel complex is coming up in Delhi for the benefit of Scheduled Tribes girls and girls hailing from the North Eastern states, who are pursuing their studies in Delhi University and its affiliated colleges. It would accommodate 500 girls when completed. The foundation stone of the complex has been laid recently on 6th January 2006.
