State Tribal Secretaries to discuss financial programme for tribals

The Centre has convened a meeting of State Tribal Secretaries today to review financial assistance programmes for tribals.

New Delhi, Dec 17 : The Centre has convened a meeting of State Tribal Secretaries today to review financial assistance programmes for tribals.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs P R Kyndiah will inaugurate the conference. The conference will be chaired by G.B. Mukherji, Secretary of Tribal Affairs.

Representatives of State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) of the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and senior officials from concerned departments will attend the meeting.

During the one-day conference, issues like identifying more income generating activities for term loan to tribals, bridge loan to meet the gaps in funding requirements of tribal projects and financial assistance for tribal self-help groups will be deliberated upon.

Assistance for skill development and entrepreneurial training for tribals groups will also be taken up during the meet.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has signed a MoU with NSTFDC through which the corporation is being encouraged to cover more and more tribal families and activities for financial assistance.

Besides improving the living standards of STs through the activities of NSTFDC, the Ministry is also implementing various schemes for tribal development.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity to review the implementation of these schemes with the State Governments.

NSTFDC, an undertaking of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, provides financial assistance for the schemes and projects meant for the economic development of Scheduled Tribes through channelising agencies appointed by the States.

ANI