The Government of India, through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has introduced the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (VKY) to uplift tribal communities. VKY aims to create a supportive environment for the comprehensive development of tribal people, focusing on their specific needs and desired outcomes. This initiative seeks to ensure that the benefits of various government programs and services actually reach the tribal population by effectively combining resources through appropriate channels. VKY is designed to encompass all tribal individuals and areas with tribal settlements across the nation. Initially allocated Rs. 100.00 Crore for 2014-15, VKY has been integrated as a Central Sector Scheme within the Annual Plan of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Aim
The VKY stands as a pathway toward the holistic advancement of tribal communities, focusing on tangible results to guarantee that the benefits, goods, and services meant for them through different governmental programs are effectively delivered. This approach emphasizes the importance of ensuring that tribal individuals receive the support they need by fostering coordination and collaboration among various initiatives at both the Central and State levels.
Objectives
- Improving the quality of life in tribal areas
- Improving the quality of education
- Qualitative and sustainable employment for tribal families
- Bridging infrastructure gaps with focus on quality
- Protection of tribal culture and heritage
Component of VKY
- Qualitative & Sustainable Employment.
- Quality Education & Higher Education.
- Accelerated Economic Development of tribal areas.
- Health for all. Housing for all.
- Safe Drinking Water for all at doorsteps.
- Irrigation facilities suited to the terrain.
- All Weather Roads with connectivity to the nearby town/cities.
- Universal Availability of Electricity. Urban Development.
- Robust institutional mechanism (ITDAs/ITDPs).
- Promotion and conservation of Tribal Cultural Heritage.
- Promotion of Sports in Tribal Areas.
Strategies
- Making sure Tribal Welfare Departments have the necessary administrative, technical, and financial authority to effectively deliver goods and services to communities.
- Empowering bodies like Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) and Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) with adequate resources and authority.
- Establishing new institutions where needed to address gaps in service delivery.
- Bringing together resources and activities currently spread across different initiatives for better coordination and impact.
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