NSTFDC to review financial assistance programme for NE tribals

Agartala, Dec 16 (UNI) The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) has convened a meeting of the Northeastern state governments in New Delhi tomorrow to discuss the financial assistance programme for the tribals of the region.

Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Jitendra Choudhury said here today that the meeting would review the progress of the tribal development programme and discuss matters related to expanding the coverage of the programme and making the delivery system more effective.

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

During the conference, issues like identifying more income generating activities for term loans, bridge loans to meet the gaps in funding requirement projects and financial assistance for tribal self-help groups would be deliberated upon, Mr Choudhury said.

The Minister added that the assistance for skill development and entrepreneurial training for tribal groups would also be discussed.

The Union Tribal Affairs Ministry had signed a MoU with the NSTFDC through which the Corporation was being encouraged to cover more and more tribal families and activities for financial assistance, besides improving the living standards of STs, he added.

UNI