Bhopal: National Tribal Commission’s Chairman Rameshwar Oraon undertook state-level review of tribal development works in the state here today. He lauded Madhya Pradesh government’s works for tribal welfare. Commission’s Vice Chairman Ravi Thakur, SC, ST Welfare Minister Gyan Singh and ACS SR Mohanthy were also present on the occasion. Oraon said that the schemes chalked out for tribal areas should be effectively implemented. The commission is striving to bring tribals in the mainstream.

Oran appealed to plant saplings in all hostels. Efforts should be made to increase water holding capacity by deepening old water bodies. He recommended opening law college at Jhabua. Oraon said that special attention should be paid to teaching of English, maths and science subject in tribal schools and students should be provided scholarships timely. ACS Mohanthy informed that abolishment of class V and VIII Board exams is casting adverse impact on studies. It would be re-introduced soon. This year, 40 thousand new teachers are being appointed.

Principal Secretary Tribal Development Alka Upadhyay informed that tribals constitute 21.10 percent of state’s total population. The state government has made provisions for tribal development in the state budget in the same proportion. Department has the responsibility of education of tribals from class I upto higher secondary in 89 tribal block in the state. Along with distribution of various scholarships to tribal students, the department is also conducting 2590 residential premises including 2462 hostels/Ashrams and 128 residential institutions.

Re-examination of rejected claims of tribals under Forest Land Rights Act and issuing pattas to remaining eligible persons is going on. It was informed that Rs. 70 lakh has been distributed as drought relief during Rabi season in Jhabua district. Days under MNREGA have been increased from 100 to 150 and old works have been continued to prevent migration of people from Jhabua district. It was informed that Madhya Pradesh is the only state where about 60 lakh SC, ST families are being provided online food grains. State’s 96 percent population has been made online under Food Security Act. Treatment of malaria, anaemia etc is being done and medicines distributed free of cost.

Special vigil is being maintained to curb crimes in tribal areas. Travel allowance and amount for meal is being given when a tribal persons report a matter to the police.

Commissioner Tribal Welfare Shobhit Jain informed that a hard core group of teachers has been formed at the state level, which is helping remove students’ difficulties. Online education material is also being provided to students. Studies in accordance with NCRTC syllabus is being introduced in tribal schools. In schools for excellence, pre-exam coaching is being imparted to 30 tribal students, which is yielding encouraging results.

Principal Secretaries KK Singh, Manohar Agnani, Vinod Semwal, Ashok Shah, Secretary and Director level officers of other departments informed information concerning their respective departments.