What happened in Rajya Sabha (MoTA’s ST scheme update)
The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) implements major schemes aimed at the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs). MoTA shared scheme-wise objectives, funds released and measurable physical outcomes over the last five financial years.
The Rajya Sabha update covered education support (Eklavya Model Residential Schools and scholarships), convergence for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through PM-JANMAN, livelihoods through Van Dhan initiatives, focused development for PVTGs, constitutional-grants under Article 275(1), support through NSTFDC (National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation) and NGO grants, and research and documentation support through Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) and TRI-ECE. MoTA also described a new village-level convergence initiative, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), launched in 2024.
Education schemes for STs: EMRS and scholarship continuity
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are designed for quality schooling for ST children. MoTA reported the following quantitative status against its stated target:
Pre-Matric Scholarship for STs aims to reduce dropout and encourage continuation of education. MoTA stated that scholarship funds and beneficiaries are provided state-wise through Annexure II in the Rajya Sabha communication.
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- Government to strengthen residential education and hostel facilities for SC and tribal students through PM-AJAY, SHRESHTA and EMRS
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