Jharkhand to set up tribal development authority: CM

Jharkhand will set up a Primitive Tribe Development Authority for the development of basic infrastructure and other works to benefit these sections of society in the state, Chief Minister Raghubar Das said on Wednesday.

"Funds will be made available to the proposed authority for developmental works like construction of roads, and provision of power and other basic requirements," Das said while addressing an Aadim Janjati Mahila Panchayat here.

"The primitive tribes are the most backward and the state government is committed for their development. We will ensure that government benefits reach them," the chief minister said.

"Self-help groups of primitive tribes' womenfolk will be given Rs.1 lakh assistance and Rs.2 lakh loan to educated youths of these tribes for self-employment. Poor tribal women are given two cows each to enable them make a living," Das added.

He appealed to the youth of the primitive tribes to form self-help groups and assured that training would be provided under the government's skill development scheme.

In Jharkhand, members of primitive tribes number 2.12 lakh.