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Steering Committee for Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007).

Empowerment of Scheduled Tribes

Dated 8 December 2000

In the context of the formulation of the Tenth Five year Plan (2002-2007), it has been, decided to set up a Steering Committee on the Empowerment of Scheduled Tribes with the following Composition:

2. The Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee will be as follows :

1. to review the existing approach, strategies and priorities; the on-going policies and programmes for empowering Scheduled Tribes (STs) during the Ninth Five Year Plan; and suggest if and wherever necessary, alternative strategies, priorities, policies and programmes to accelerate the empowering process;
2. to assess the effectiveness of the implementation of Tribal Sub-Plan strategy for STs and suggest specific measures and mechanisms to ensure that the population - proportion' funds flow from the other development sectors both at the Central and State levels and the Special Central Assistance (SCA) to TS? is utilized effectively :
3. to assess the impact of the on-going economic reforms and progressive globalisation / liberalization of economy on the socio-economic conditions of  the Tribals, especially their economy and suggest effective strategies to cope up with the situation;
4. to review the effectiveness of the existing legislations relating to STs and that enforcement and suggest corrective measures.
5. to review the effectiveness of the existing Institutional Arrangements for implementation of policies and programmes relating to welfare, protection and development of STs and suggest improvements, if necessary,
6. to assess the role of NGOs and the status of devolution of powers and resources to Panchayati Raj Institutions / Local Traditional Tribal Councils and Local Self Government Bodies as per the 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendments of 1993 and 1996 and suggest specific measures for their effective involvement in fee planning process : and
7. to suggest an approach and necessary strategies, priorities, policies, and programmes along with physical and financial targets in pursuing the commitment of Empowering the Scheduled Tribes during the Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-07);
8. to suggest programmes under JFM. Forest Villages, shifting cultivations etc.

The Chairman of the Steering Committee, if necessary, may constitute Sub-Groups on any specific area problem and also co-opt additional Members.

The Steering Committee shall submit its Report positively by 31, May 2001.

The expenditure on TA/DA in connection with the meetings of the Steering Committee will be borne by the parent Department / Ministry Organization to which the officers belong. Non-official members will be entitled to TA / DA as admissible to Grade-I Officers of the Government of India and this will be paid by the Planning Commission.