Tribal Affairs Division

---

INTRODUCTION

The Tribal Affairs Division of Social Welfare Department erstwhile Social Justice, Empowerment & Welfare Department is entrusted with the task of welfare of Scheduled Tribes in the State. The aim of the division is to bring about an all-round socio- economic development of the Scheduled Tribe families in general and those below the poverty line in particular. The department formulates and implements schemes and programmed to uplift the vulnerable sections of the society.

DETAILS OF SCHEMES IMPLEMENTED

I. SPECIAL CENTRAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBAL SUB-SCHEME:
 

Specific program for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes under the Tribal Sub-Scheme have been implemented since 1979-80 with a view to ensuring that these segments of the community are provided full benefits from the developmental effort especially in the areas of education both academic and vocational and other programmes tailored to provide supplementary income. The Tribal Sub-Scheme ensures  rapid socio-economic development of tribal people and channelizes the flow of outlays from the general sectors in the plan of State for development of ST by filling gaps in various projects /infrastructure development schemes viz. Roads, Power Generation, Water supply, Health facilities, Educational facilities and Veterinary services, livelihood schemes etc.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been implementing the scheme Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan (SCA to TSP), initiated in 1977-78. After amalgamation of Plan and Non- Plan, the scheme was known as 'Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS' since 2017. Earlier the coverage of the scheme was limited to 23 States (including J&K), while the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland were not covered. During the year 2017-18, it was decided by the Ministry to extend the benefit of the scheme to these States as well in the larger interest of the STs. The scheme of Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) has been providing funds to the State Governments having notified ST's for development and welfare of tribal people to bridge the gaps in sectors like education, health, agriculture, skill development, employment-cum-income generation, etc. In order to improve basic services and facilities in villages with significant tribal population, it has been decided to transform the scheme, so that integrated village development programmes can be implemented in an outcome-oriented and time- bound manner. Accordingly, the existing scheme 'SCA to TSS' has been revamped as 'Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)' to be implemented during the years 2021-22 to 2025-26.

VISION:

The scheme Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yoina (PMAAGY)' has the vision to transform the villages with significant tribal population into model villages (adarsh gram), having saturated basic services and adequate infrastructure, through convergence of government schemes, so as to enable the villagers to develop their potential for a meaningful contribution to the economy and society.

 OBJECTIVES:

The main objective of this scheme is to achieve integrated socio-economic development of selected villages through convergence approach. It will include the following components. 

1. Preparing Village Development Plans, based on the needs, potential, and aspirations;
2.  Maximizing the coverage of individual / family benefit schemes of the Central / State Governments.
3.  Improving the infrastructure in vital sectors like health, education, connectivity and livelihood.

Project undertaken by TAD during 2023-24 under Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan (SCA to TSS):

1. Up-gradation of 4 Room School Building at Kewzing Sr. Secondary School.
2. Construction of Community Centre at Pachakhani in East Sikkim.
3. Extension of playground and construction of pavilion and gallery at Central Pendam.                                           
4. Construction of 6/R/S/B at Hee Goan Sr. Sec. School in West Sikkim.                       
5. Construction of Community Centre at Aritar, Khamdong in East Sikkim.                                       
6. Construction of Community Centre at Lingzey, Khamdong in East Sikkim.
7. Construction of 15 Nos. of Home Stay and other amenities in Aritar, Khamdong in East Sikkim.
8. Construction of community hall at Sajbotey, Chumbung in West Sikkim.
9. Construction of playground (Construction of Gallery & Pavilion) at Sonamati Memorial Govt. Sr. Sec. School at Khamdong in East Sikkim.

II. GRANTS UNDER ARTICLE 275(1) OF THE CONSTITUTION;
 

Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India provides such sums as Parliament may by law provide shall be charged on the consolidated Fund of India in each year as grants-in-aid of the revenues of such States as Parliament may determine to be in need of assistance, and different sums may be fixed for different States. The scheme is for development work as may be undertaken by the State with the approval of the Government of India for the purpose of promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in that State or raising the level of administration of the Scheduled Areas therein to that of the administration of the rest of the areas of that State.

Following are the objectives for programmes / activities funded with Grants-in-aid under Proviso to Article 275(1) of Indian Constitution to bridge gap between Scheduled Tribe (ST) population and others by accelerating development of STs by ensuring:

• Human resource development by enhancing their access to education and health services,

• Enhanced quality of life by raising the level of administration of the Scheduled Areas and also providing basic amenities in tribal areas / localities.

• Substantial reduction in poverty and unemployment through skill upgradation and other income generating opportunities, creation of backward and forward linkages and linkage with institutional finance for sustained income generation and creation of productive assets,

• Enhanced capacity to avail opportunities, gain rights &entitlements and improved facilities at par with other areas.

Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) are set up in the States/UTs with grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India and are being run under the funding and sponsorship of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The prime objective of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) to cater relevant and quality education to the rural-tribal children ensuring all-round development for building their future bright and secure.

The details of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in the State of Sikkim are as follows:-

Sl.No	District	Name of EMRS	Year of sanction	Year of functioning
1	Mangan	Swayem	1997-998	2007
2	Soreng	Gangyap	2005-06	2007
3	Namchi	Suntoay, Melli	2015-16	2016
4	Pakyong	Thekabung, Parakha	2016-17	2017

 

Projects undertaken during 2023-24 for Grants-in-Aid under Article 275(1) of Constitution of India:

1. Upgradation of PHSC at Simick Lingzey.
2. EMRS, Swayem Approach Road.
3. EMRS, Suntaley Approach Road.
4. EMRS, Gangyap Approach Road.
5. Construction of Limboo Cultural Hall  at Lower Kamrang, Poklok Kamrang, Namchi.
6. Distribution of Cymbidium Hybrid Orchid seeding with other components.
7. Strengthening of 12 PHCs.
8. Distribution of Green House of tribal farmers.
9. Providing Irrigation Facility.
10. Supply of Tiller machine.

 

III.  TRIBAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SIKKIM:
 

Tribal Research Institute, Sikkim was formally established in the year 2016. With the initiative of the State Government and support of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India the independent Tribal Research Institute, campus at the estimated cost of Rs.54.00 crore is under construction at Assam Lingey, East Sikkim which will be commission within March, 2023. The new Tribal Research Institute will cater to the issues pertaining to research, documentation and training pertaining to the various aspects of tribal communities of Sikkim. Over the years Tribal Research Institute has been engaged in carrying out various activities such as research, documentation, organizing tribal festival, exchange of  visits, training, seminars, workshop relating to various aspects of tribes of Sikkim etc.

 

INFORMATION ABOUT TRI BUILDING
 

1. Year of Sanction: 2017-18 (07.03.2018)
2. Total Amount Proposed Rs. 57.00  Crore
3. Amount Sanctioned : Rs. 54.00 Crore
4. Year of commencement : 2019 (Feb, 2019) 

 

FACILITIES AT TRI, SIKKIM

1. Administrative Block
2. Museum cum Exhibition Block
3. Auditorium (Mini Theatre)
4. Boys Hostel
5. Girls Hostel
6. Guesthouse
7. Parking Cum Craft & Souvenir Block
8. Ticket cum Security Block

ONGOING PROJECTS (2020-21):

1. Development of website and apps -cum- E -learning tools for Bhutia tribe.
2. Publication of Tamang tribal language dictionary in multilingual form.
3. Development of fonts in Bhutia language for computerization of Bhutia scripts.
4. Mapping of tribal folk healers of Sikkim: challenges and way forward.
5. Documentation, of organic way of traditional cuisine of Limboo tribe of Sikkim.
6. A study on tribal migration in the State of Sikkim .
7. State level tribal festival, exhibitions, expos, dance and music competitions.
8. Mapping of existing assets in the tribal areas of Sikkim.
9. Research documentation on performing arts of the Limboo tribes i.e. folk song, folk music and musical instruments associated with Limboo community.
10. Ethnographic study on Sherpa tribal community of Sikkim.
11. A research study on food habits of Sherpa tribal community of Sikkim.

REVISED ACTION PLANS OF 2024-25:

1. AI based Career counselling of EMRS students to help them take informed career decisions.
2. Winter Coaching Camp for 10th & 12th grade ST students.
3. Preparation of Handbook for learning tribal language.
4. Study to devise a marketing strategy for turmeric, cardamom, & ginger and create a branding under the Tribes India Brand.
5. Training on Ethnic weaves & Traditional Costumes for business prospects.
6. Study to asses the health status of students in the tribal Schools and interventions thereof.
7. Video documentation of tribal customs with their oral narration pretaining to School functions.
8. To conduct exchange of visit of tribal and TRI officials best performing TRIs for the Augmentation of State TRI of Sikkim.
9. Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas- 2024.
10. Video documentation on making of Sumok Thyaktuk traditional Lepcha Hats.
11. Video documentation of Chembigik traditional Limbu Cuisine and Shakpa Traditional Sherpa Cuisine.
12. Video documentation of Bhutia Dance Tashi Shabdo and Tamang Dance Damphu Nach .
13. Medical Health Camp for Tribal Students of 4- EMRS and 1-ASHARAM School.
14. Purchase of books/ Journals/J-Store & improvement of library infrastructure.