Development of Areas under Integrated Tribal Development Agency

Why in news

The Union Minister Shri Jual Oram laid a statement in the Parliament regarding the development of areas under Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs), outlining the various schemes and programmes supported by the Union Government.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS2, GS3 · Society, Governance, Economy · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Union Government supports development in ITDA/ITDP areas through schemes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and other sectoral Ministries.
2. Assistance is provided under Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana/State Tribal Sub-Plan support, PM-JANMAN, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), Eklavya Model Residential Schools, scholarship schemes, and tribal livelihood programmes.
3. Grants under Article 275(1) aim to bridge critical gaps in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
4. ITDAs/ITDPs act as field-level institutions for convergence and implementation of these interventions.
5. Funds are generally allocated and released State-wise and scheme-wise, not separately for each ITDA/ITDP area.
6. Fund releases depend on approved proposals, fund availability, utilization certificates, and compliance with scheme guidelines.

Prelims pointers

• ITDA/ITDP areas receive support from the Union Government through various ministries.
• Grants under Article 275(1) are utilized to address gaps in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
• PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) are among the schemes supporting tribal development.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools are part of the development initiatives.
• ITDAs/ITDPs function as field-level implementation and convergence institutions.

Mains practice question

Discuss the role of Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) in the socio-economic development of tribal areas in India. Analyze the effectiveness of the various schemes and programmes implemented under their purview, citing relevant constitutional provisions and government initiatives.

Static linkage

Article 275(1) of the Constitution provides for grants-in-aid to certain states for specific purposes, which can include promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and improving the administration of Scheduled Areas. Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) and Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) are institutional mechanisms established to address the socio-economic development of tribal communities.

Significance

The statement highlights the multi-pronged approach of the Union Government in developing tribal areas through various ministries and schemes. The role of ITDAs/ITDPs as convergence points is crucial for effective implementation and to ensure that development initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries. Bridging critical gaps in essential sectors like education and health is vital for the socio-economic upliftment of tribal populations.