IMPHAL, Jul 1 (DIPR): The Department of Tribal Affairs, Hills and Scheduled Castes Development under the initiative of Government of Manipur is taking up various schemes for socio- economic development of SC and tribals in the State through imple-mentation of developmental programmes like family oriented schemes, welfare schemes, infrastructure schemes.
The schemes implemented by the department are all supplemental in nature to the programmes implemented by the concerned departments of the State Government.
The Department assisted 12,000 ST and 560 SC families with family oriented income generating schemes like land development, rearing of animals assistance to the tribal weavers etc.
Under the welfare programmes, 10,262 ST families and 420 SC Families were assisted with GCI sheets, post and pre-matric scholarships were awarded to ST and SC students, 980 tribal weavers were assisted financially, medical assistance were also given to tribal patients and another 1050 disabled tribals were given wheel chairs, tricycles and hearing aids. Skill development training in various trades were given to 200 ST and 18 SC youths. Three health centres were established in 2014-15 by the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Ukhrul. Medical personnel were engaged to provide medical treatment to ailing patients and also one ambulance and medi-cines are provided free of cost. Remaining three districts will be covered shortly. 30 first aid centres were opened in 2014-15 by the ADCs and another 30 first aid centres will be opened shortly. 60,000 tribal students were issued health cards and 6 health camps/anti-addiction camps were also organized. These programmes will be continued in 2016-17 also.
Under the funding from the 3rd State Finance Commission award, developmental programmes are being taken up for the welfare of the ST and SC communities. The Department is planning to take up various developmental programmes in order to bring the people of hill districts on developmental path. Construction of barrack type quarters for the primary teachers under Autonomous District Councils, construction of market sheds at Imphal and hill districts of the State, construction of ST boys and girls hostel buildings, construction of community halls and construction of common facility centres in the hills areas and processing of agriculture/horticulture produces (NEC) are also taken up.