December 25, 2018
Bangla Govt creates special package for tribal groups
The State Tribal Development Department has undertaken a special intervention programme for the development of vulnerable tribal groups like Shabar (Lodha), Birhore and Toto, worth Rs 12.9 crore. It would be spent in the financial year (FY) 2018-19.
The department has conducted a survey following the instruction of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
According to the 2011 census, the Shabar population in the State is around 40,000, of whom 18,000 reside in Jhargram district. There are 1,500 Totos, who stay in Madarihat-Birpara block of Alipurduar, while there are 365 Birhores who live in the Ayodhya Hills of Purulia.
It has been decided that new dwelling houses under Bangla Awas Yojana will be constructed, while the houses that are in bad shape will be repaired or renovated. The State Government will also conduct a special drive to provide drinking water in the tribal habitations.
Self-Help Groups (SHG) will be set up to provide better livelihood. Cattle and goat rearing, backyard poultry, horticulture and floriculture, orchard and kitchen gardening will be encouraged.
Tribal department officials, along with the local gram panchayat officials, will visit the areas to encourage the beneficiaries and make them aware of the various schemes that are being taken up by the government.
Agriculture will be boosted by improving the irrigation system. Special emphasis will be given on the traditional handicraft products and on giving them skill training and design development.
Artisan clusters will be developed and soft loans will be given to the artisans under various subsidy schemes.
Awareness campaigns will be launched about the schemes taken up by the State Government and how they are going to benefit the tribal people.
It may be mentioned that supply of rice at Rs 2 a kilo by the State Government has helped the tribal people enormously.
Source: The Statesman
