UPA formulates tribal policy

Shillong, Oct 23 (UNI) The Congress-led UPA government has formulated a National Tribal Policy draft covering all important issues concerning the tribals.

A release here said the issues included alienation of tribal land, tribal forest interface, resettlement and rehabilitation, primitive tribal groups, empowerment, enlisting support of NGOs, tribal culture, traditional knowledge, development and administration of tribal areas and scheduling and descheduling of tribes.

A Plan of Action covering a period of three years is being incorporated in the draft policy itself. The resettlement and rehabilitation policy regarding displacement of tribal people is being reworked to provide suitable legal provisions.

The Cabinet Committee on Tribal Affairs has been set up to address issues concerning tribal development on a continuing basis.

Besides, a separate National Commission has been set up for SCS and STs. A commission has also been set up on denotified tribes.

UNI