Paving the way to development for primitive tribes dwelling in hinterlands of Jharkhand, Chief Minister Raghubar Das announced the formation of Primitive Tribes Development Authority.
“The Authority will look after infrastructure development in villages with higher concentration of primitive tribes in their population,” stated the CM, while addressing a State-level Primitive Tribal Women Panchayat convened by Vikas Bharti on Wednesday. Funds will be released separately through the Authority for ensuring roads, electricity and other basic amenities to the aboriginal people of the State, he said.
Organised to mark International Women’s Day, the Panchayat saw attendance from women community leaders coming from primitive tribes from all over the State. Eight out of nine primitive tribes who call Jharkhand home had their representatives at the convention.
Das urged the primitive tribes to be aware of Government schemes meant for their upliftment. With a view to strengthening the primitive tribes, he elaborated his plans to promote education and create livelihood opportunities among them. “The State Government will construct schools and hostels in the rural pockets of Jharkhand so that students do not have to leave home to become educated,” said the CM.
He added, “Self-help groups (SHG) formed by aboriginal women will be provided Rs1 lakh as financial aid by the Government for their activities. As per provisions, the educated youth from primitive tribes will also be given Rs2 lakh for self-employment.”
Urging aboriginal youngsters of Jharkhand to take steps for creating employment for themselves, Das said, “Educated boys and girls should form SHGs at village levels and the Government will help them gain skills. We will extend our help if they want skill development centres in and around their villages. Those in need of capital to start a business of their own can avail the benefits of MUDRA scheme, where they can get loans up to Rs50,000 without any collateral.”
He urged the SHGs working in villages to guide those in need of employment. Das asked capable youngsters to share their knowledge by letting others know of the available employment opportunities and guide them towards getting the job.
“The State Government is endeavouring to change the face and fate of Jharkhand and the impact will be visible soon. Depending merely on bureaucracy will not help with solutions to problems we face today,” said Das.
The CM stated that he will specifically focus on primitive tribes once he resumes his visits to the far-flung villages of the State to know their opinion on projects ideated for them by the Government. He also asked district supervisors for primitive tribes under Vikas Bharti to enlist and suggest the projects they want to avail in their areas.
He also announced that 2.12 lakh aboriginal people of the State will receive State-sponsored benefits like widow pension, ration cards and more. “SHGs formed by women and youngsters should take the initiative to survey and identify deserving beneficiaries,” Das said.