Bhubaneswar: The Centre on Monday assured the
Orissa government of extending all possible support for the
welfare of tribal population, particularly the primitive
tribal groups.
Union Tribal Affairs and Panchayati Raj minister V K Deo
gave the assurance during his meeting with Chief Minister
Naveen Patnaik here.
"I have assured the state government of extending all
kind of support for the development of tribals including
primitive tribal groups and strengthening of panchayati raj
institutions," Deo told reporters after the meeting.
Stating that ensuring tribal rights was the objective of
his Ministry, Deo said he would like to assist the state
government's activities for the welfare of tribal population.
Replying to a question, Deo said he would take up the
matter related to the announcement of minimum support price
(MSP) for minor forest produce with the Centre.
Patnaik claimed that the state government had achieved a
lot in implementing the provisions of the Forest Rights Act
(FRA). About three lakh tribal families had been allotted
forest land under the FRA, Patnaik said at the meeting.
The chief minister urged Deo to ensure that tribal
students get study loans easily for higher education.
"We have also demanded sanction for opening of more
residential schools for the tribal children, training centres
for unemployed youths," a senior government official said.
PTI
First Published: Monday, November 07, 2011, 17:12