Par panel voices utmost concern over lower funds for tribals

In a report, which was tabled in the Parliament today, the Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has also asked the Ministry to apprise it of the action taken by it in this regard.

"The committee had noted with utmost concern that against an outlay of Rs 9,665 crore asked for its Annual Plan by the Ministry during the year 2012-13, the Planning Commission had allocated only Rs 4,090 crore," the report said.

Due to this reduced allocation, which is about 50 per cent of the demanded outlay, the proposed new initiatives like Adivasi Bhavan, National Tribal Information System, 114 new schools-cum-vocational training centres in Left-Wing Extremist tribal districts, could not be taken up during the current financial year.

Reacting strongly to the action taken report submitted by the Ministry, the report said, "The Committee would like to express strong dissatisfaction with reply of the government. The Committee feels that the Ministry is not pursuing seriously with the Finance Ministry and the Planning Commission for an increased allocation." (More)