SETTING UP OF FOOD BANKS FOR TRIBALS TO CURB STARVATION DEATH
RAJYA SABHA
A Central
Sector Scheme for the setting up of Village Grain Banks in tribal
villages was launched in 1996-97. It is a continuing scheme, under
which there is no target date for making India hunger-free.
The Village
Grain Bank Scheme was launched in selected areas identified by
the Central Planning Committee (CPC) as a preventive measure against
the death of tribal people due to starvation. The scheme provides
that villagers in identified areas can form a committee and set
up Grain Banks. This Ministry provides a one-time grant for setting
up Grain Banks with an allocation of 100 kg of locally consumed
food grains per family. The members borrow from this bank in time
of need and repay after the harvest or on getting income as wages.
Under the scheme, funds are released to the State Governments
through TRIFED. The CPC has identified 370 blocks in 52 districts
in 13 States for implementation of the scheme. However, the list
is indicative and the State Governments can select villages/blocks
outside these areas, if considered necessary. Under the scheme,
an amount of Rs. 1024.37 lakh has so far been released to the
States for establishment of 1876 Grain Banks.
This
information was given by the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs,
Shri Jual Oram in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.
