more-in Pointing out that the delivery mechanism of the government services in tribal belts are plagued by loopholes, anthropology professor P.D. Satya Pal on Thursday underlined the need to initiate corrective measures soon. Speaking at a consultative meet with the stakeholders on tribal empowerment organised by the Nature, a NGO, in association with DKA-Austria, a development cooperative agency, Mr. Satya Palsaid since Independence, the delivery mechanism had not been effective owing to several reasons. “Even as huge funds are being allocated for tribal welfare under the tribal sub-plan, the benefits are not percolating to the true beneficiaries due to corruption at various levels,” he said. Holistic plan The professor further said that the existence of huge tribal population in India was not recognised by the United Nations for want of initiative. Funds are being released under tribal sub-plan for mining, tourism and hydro-electric projects. The Integrated Tribal Development Agency model introduced for overall development of adivasis needs reorientation as the priorities keep changing with the transfer of project officers,” Mr. Satya Pal said. Saying that after Africa, India is home to a huge tribal population and a holistic approach is needed to improve their living conditions, he added. “There is no data tribe-wise in various hamlets. Tribals are encouraged to grow millets but they are being supplied to multi-retail outlets for the sale in the urban areas. Instead of this approach, tribal people should be encouraged to consume it to overcome the problem of malnutrition,” he suggested. Programme support officer of DKA-Austria R. Elango said more emphasis was needed on health, nutrition, sanitation and education in the tribal areas. Inclusive development Nature founder and former member AP Commission for Protection of Child Rights S. Balaraju said tribal areas were turning into a laboratory for experiments. He said out of 33 tribal communities, 19 live in the Eastern Ghats and called for concerted efforts to ensure inclusive development. APCPCR chairperson G. Hymavathi said the stakeholders should be involved from conception stage to implementation of welfare schemes. Tribal Culture Research Mission consultant Tyagaraju and Right to Education Forum convener Narava Prakasa Rao also spoke.

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