Rajasthan Elevates Tribal Development Fund to Rs 1,750 Crore

Jaipur, Feb 28 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharari on Friday reiterated the state government's unwavering dedication to the comprehensive advancement of tribal territories.

He mentioned that numerous initiatives are being executed to facilitate the growth of Scheduled Areas, MADA regions, MADA clusters, scattered tribal scheme areas, and the Sahariya primitive tribal zone.

Paying tribute to the contributions of tribal heroes, Kharari highlighted their vital role in safeguarding the nation’s independence, culture, and heritage. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to commemorating their legacy by constructing memorials for Dungar Baranda, Bansia Charpota, and the Veer Balika Kalibai Museum—projects currently underway. These memorials will inspire future generations to value their rich heritage.

The Minister made these comments while addressing discussions regarding the grant demand of the Tribal Area Development Department (Demand No. 30) in the Legislative Assembly on Friday.

After the discussion, the House approved the department’s grant demand of Rs 36,114.76 crore by a voice vote.

Kharari showcased several innovative initiatives by the department, including building communication bridges, launching the Naveen Amrit Kalash Yojana, introducing the tribal design studio ‘Banful’, and promoting lacrosse as a sport.

Furthermore, a ‘Workers Monitoring System’ has been implemented to effectively monitor departmental construction projects.

The Minister announced the formation of a superintendent cadre for tribal hostels. The positions of Hostel Superintendent (Female) Grade-2 and Hostel Superintendent (Male) Grade-2 have been integrated into the Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services (Uniform Eligibility Test) Rules, 2022, via a notification from the Personnel Department dated 16 January 2025.

The proposal to appoint 470 superintendents is currently under consideration by the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board. Kharari stressed the government’s commitment to enhancing basic infrastructure in tribal regions.

In the latest budget, the allocation for the Tribal Development Fund has been raised from Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 1,750 crore.

He assured the tribal community that all budgetary commitments would be honored within a specified timeframe.

The Minister stated that preserving and enhancing centers of tribal faith remains a priority. To this end, over Rs 16 crore has been allocated for developmental projects in Sitabari (Baran), Kamalnath Mahadev, and Jawarmata (Udaipur).

Moreover, employment-oriented skill training programs are benefiting tribal youth, with 4,697 individuals trained to date. Kharari noted that the Central government has set up Vandhan Kendras to facilitate the marketing of agricultural and forest products produced by tribal communities.

Currently, 530 Vandhan Kendras are operational across nine districts, benefiting 1.53 lakh members. The government is also prioritizing the development of the Sahariya primitive tribe. Under the PM Janman Yojana, 17 new multi-purpose centers have been sanctioned for the Sahariya region in Baran district.

Additionally, 51 Vandhan Vikas Kendras have been established in the district through TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

To assist extremely backward communities such as Sahariya, Kathodi, and Khairwa tribes, more than 1.3 lakh individuals are receiving free essential food supplies, including 500 grams of pulses, 500 milliliters of oil, and 250 milliliters of desi ghee per unit per month.

The government remains resolute in its mission to uplift tribal communities through targeted welfare programs and sustainable development initiatives, he concluded.