Social Purpose of Planning- Five Years Plan and Tribal Development.

Five Years Plan & Tribal Development

The planning commission laid down the objectives and strategies for tribal development from time to time. The following are the account of the tribal welfare programs in India during the various plans.

 The First Five Year Plan (1951-1956):-

The First Five Year Plan outlined a positive policy for assisting the tribal as under: -

❖ Assisting them to develop their natural resources and to evoke a productive economic life wherein they will enjoy the fruits of their own labor and will not be exploited by more organized economic forces from outside;

❖ It is not desirable to bring about changes in their religions and social life, except at the initiative of the tribal people themselves and with their willing consent

❖ It is accepted that there are many features in tribal life that should not only be retained but also developed; and

❖ The qualities of their dialects and the rich content of their arts and crafts also need to be appreciated and preserved

Second Five Year Plan (1956 -1961):-

During this plan, the Ministry of Home Affairs provided funds to the Ministry of Community Development to establish Special Multi-purpose Tribal Blocks (SMPT) in areas with prominent tribal populations.

Third Five Year Plan (1961 -1966):-

In the Third Plan period, SMPT Blocks were renamed as Tribal Development Blocks (TDB) and suggested it be opened in all areas where over 60% of the population was tribals. In addition to the normal allotment of Rs 12 lakhs to a community development block, a provision of Rs 10 lakhs for 1" stage and RS 5 lakhs for 2 nd stage for TDB was also made.

Three Annual Plans (1966 -1969):-

During this period no special funds were provided for tribal development. However, in 1969-70 a decision was taken to extend the total life of TDBs to 15 Years by incorporating a new stage three. During the 3rd stage, each TDB was given Rs 10 lakhs.

Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-1974):-

Tribal Development Agencies (TDA's) were established on the pattern of SFDA which addressed themselves to the problems of the tribal population. The level of investment in the new program was much higher compared to TD Block. Six tribal development agencies were started during the Fourth Plan.

Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-1979):-

During the middle of the Fourth Five Year Plan, i.e., in the year 1972, the Planning Commission set up a "Taskforce on Development of Tribal Areas" with L.P. Vidyarthi as the Chairman

Sixth Five Year Plan (1980 -1985):-

The Sixth Plan continued the Sub-Plan approach of the Fifth Plan. This was to be supplemented by a target beneficiary approach with the objective of narrowing the gap between the level of development of the tribal and other developed communities and bringing about a qualitative change in the life of a tribal community

Seventh Five Year Plan (1985 -1990):-

The total expenditure for tribal development has been increasing sharply. The seventh Plan's investment was highest with 795 1.82 crores. During the Seventh Plan, the funds from the state Plan is high with 7100.57, crores.

Eighth Five Year Plan (1992 -1997):-

In the Eighth Plan, taking into view the problem related to the implementation of schemes for tribal development, the planning commission tried to be more realistic. The strategy of the Eighth Plan also specifically aimed at improving the living environment of the tribal by giving them better social and civic amenities and facilities.

In the Eighth Five Year Plan, Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) area, MADA (Modified Area Development Approach), Scattered Development Plans, and Primitive Tribe Development Plans for the tribal development approach have been stressed.

Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002):-

Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) has the strategy to achieve a seven percent growth rate for the economy. The main objectives of the Ninth Plan are the generation of adequate productive employment, eradication of poverty, empowerment of women and socially disadvantaged groups. It aims to ensure food and nutritional security for all, particularly the vulnerable sections of society.

The tribal majority areas in the country are broadly divided into three categories, viz., (i) predominantly tribal states/ union territories (ii) Scheduled area, and (iii) Non-Scheduled areas in the states.

Programs for Tribal Welfare:-

A number of employment-oriented and developmental programs for tribals have been introduced by the government of India. The major programs are Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), Jawahar Rosgar Yojana (JRY), Prime Ministers Rosgar Yojana (PMRY), and Training for Self Employment for Rural youth (TRYSEM).