15th December, 2003
Ministry of Tribal Affairs  


SCHEDULED AREAS AND ST COMMISSION VISITS GUJARAT TODAY


Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission headed by Chairman, Shri Dileep Singh Bhurria is visiting Gujarat today alongwith members and an expert to assess the enforcement of protective and ameliorative safeguards extended to the STs. The Commission has already undertaken tours of several states. During the tour, the Commission is to visit places like Godhara, Dahod, Kadana, Himmat Nagar, Ambaji, Vadodara, Kevadia, Ukai, Kakrapaar, Bardoli and Navasari from 15th December to 24th December, 2003.

The Commission shall visit a number of ITDPs, PTG Projects, Ashram Schools/Hostels, Vocational Training Centres, Health Centres, Housing Schemes, Water Supply Schemes, Check Dams etc. Besides, they will interact with Government Officials, tribal leaders and NGOs working for the upliftment of the tribals in the State.

The Commission is currently looking into Constitutional safeguards provided for STs with special refence to the 5th and 6th Schedule of the Constitution and submit the Report to the President on the working of these safeguards to give an outline of a vision for the future and formulate a viable comprehensive tribal policy. Ever since the Commission has been set up, they are receiving replies to the prescribed questionnaires from several State Governments/Union Territory Administrations having the tribal population, Central Ministries/Departments as well as Voluntary Agencies working for the welfare and development of STs.