The Government of Maharashtra had proposed an amount of Rs. 2735.57 lakhs under Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan during 2011-12 for carrying out Bench Mark Survey. However, the proposal was not considered as it did not conform to the scheme guidelines laid down. A proposal was also received from the Government of Maharashtra for 100 per cent assistance of Rs. 3674.43 lakhs to carry out Bench Mark Survey. Clarifications have been sought from the Government of Maharashtra as the Ministry does not give 100 per cent funding under its Grants-in-Aid to Tribal Research Institutes. This information was given by the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Mahadeo Singh Khandela in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing various Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes/Programmers for the socio-economic development of tribal people in the country. The schemes/programs are meant for the welfare of all the tribal people, including those living in the forest areas of the country. In addition, the Ministry is also implementing the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have residing in such forest for generation but whose rights could not be recorded to ensure (a) tenurial security, providing them relief against the physical and psychological alienation from land belong to them; (b) livelihood, in terms of agriculture and ownership of minor forest produce, including right of access to collect, use and dispose of the same and (c) traditional and customary rights. The Ministry has also asked State Governments/UT Administrations to plan convergence of existing welfare and development initiative for the title holders in the forest lands under the Forest Rights Act 2006 for their overall socio-economic development. 

Upliftment of tribal [people living in the forests, with the aim of bringing such tribal people in the mainstream of the country, through implementation of various schemes/programs of the Ministry, is an on-going process. Government is continuously making efforts to bring the tribals in the mainstream through implementation of various schemes/programs of this Ministry. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Mahadeo Singh Khandela in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.