Government Allocates Rs 13,000 Crores for Tribal Development, Nearly 200% Increase: Union Minister Sonowal

The government has significantly increased the allocation for the development of tribal communities by nearly 200%, with an allocation of Rs 13,000 crores, announced Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Speaking at a meeting on the empowerment of tribal communities in Shillong on Saturday, he stated that the Union Budget 2024 sets the roadmap for India towards becoming ‘Viksit Bharat.’

“With renewed vigour and priority, the budget aims to boost economic, industrial, and agricultural sectors with the enablement of youth, women, and tribal communities of the Northeast,” Sonowal said.

The minister emphasized that the budget provision for the empowerment and enablement of tribal communities has nearly doubled, with Rs 13,000 crores allocated for their welfare. Additionally, funding for programs like PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, National Livelihood Mission, and Stand Up India has been increased to support traditional artisans, craftsmen, self-help groups (SHGs), Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women entrepreneurs.

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A new scheme, Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram, was introduced to promote social justice for tribal communities. This scheme aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities and will directly benefit 5 crore tribal people in 63,000 villages.

Highlighting the budgetary boost for agriculture in the Northeast, Sonowal said the government is working towards developing the Northeast as a hub of natural farming and horticulture. With the proposed digital crop survey, access to credit will improve via Kisan Credit Cards. An allocation of Rs 598 crores for the eco-friendly sustainable agriculture project will help control the adverse effects of climate change, soil erosion, and pest infestations, greatly improving agricultural prospects in the region.

The budget also focuses on boosting manufacturing and services sectors, particularly through the MUDRA scheme, which provides necessary credit support to the MSME sector. The new Credit Guarantee Scheme will support MSMEs in enhancing their operational capabilities and fostering growth in the region’s industrial sector. Additionally, the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme offers Rs 15,000 in three installments to first-time employees and will be integrated with the Meghalaya Industrial & Investment Promotion Policy to boost industrial development and job creation in the state.

To harness youth power, 1000 ITIs will be upgraded, and the establishment of women’s hostels and creches will support the female workforce in industries. The Finance Minister also announced a significant financial injection to boost infrastructure through Phase IV of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, aimed at providing all-weather connectivity to remote areas, including the Northeast. About Rs 19,338 crores has been allocated for the improvement of the Northeast’s road and highway connectivity.

(With ANI Inputs)

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