Patna: The Bihar government has sought a special package of ₹100 crore from the Centre for the overall development of tribal areas in the state.
Bihar’s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister Lakhendra Kumar Raushan met Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram at the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum highlighting key requirements for the social, educational, economic and cultural development of tribal communities.
The proposed package aims to strengthen facilities related to education, healthcare, markets, research institutions, skill development centres and other essential infrastructure.
Package to Benefit Around 22 Lakh Tribal People in Bihar
According to the state government, Bihar has a tribal population of around 22 lakh, who are expected to benefit from the proposed development package.
The government has emphasised the need for targeted initiatives to improve living standards, create livelihood opportunities and preserve the cultural identity of tribal communities.
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₹7.86 Crore Proposal for Sickle Cell Anaemia Treatment Centre at AIIMS Patna
During the meeting, Minister Lakhendra Kumar Raushan requested early approval for establishing a Centre of Competence for Sickle Cell Anaemia treatment at AIIMS Patna.
The proposal has been submitted under the Centre’s Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and involves an estimated cost of ₹7.86 crore. The specialised centre is expected to improve diagnosis, treatment and healthcare support for tribal communities affected by sickle cell anaemia.
Proposal for 10 New Tribal Marketing Centres
To improve market access for tribal products and increase income opportunities for tribal families, Bihar has proposed setting up 10 new Tribal Multi-Purpose Marketing Centres.
The proposed centres will come up in:
- West Champaran
- Jamui
- Kaimur
- Munger
- Buxar
- Siwan
- Gopalganj
- Araria
- Saran
- Madhepura
These centres are expected to help tribal producers sell their products more effectively and strengthen local livelihoods.
Bihar Seeks Increase in Article 275(1) Funding
The state government also requested an increase in financial assistance provided under Article 275(1).
Minister Lakhendra Kumar Raushan said that Bihar currently receives ₹20.83 crore under this provision, which is insufficient considering the requirements of tribal development schemes. The state has requested that the allocation be increased to ₹50 crore to ensure better implementation of welfare and development programmes.
Demand for Complete Approval of Tribal Research and Training Institute Building
The Bihar government has also urged the Centre to approve the pending construction proposals related to the Tribal Research and Training Institute (TRI), Patna.
The state had submitted a proposal worth around ₹34.39 crore for the construction of:
- Museum-cum-academic building
- Hostel facilities
- Other necessary infrastructure
However, approval has so far been granted only for a portion of the academic building.
The state government has requested approval for the remaining structures and required facilities to strengthen tribal research, training and capacity-building activities.
Focus on Holistic Tribal Development
The proposals submitted by Bihar highlight the state government’s focus on improving education, healthcare access, economic opportunities and institutional support for tribal communities
The proposed special package is aimed at creating long-term development opportunities and ensuring inclusive growth in tribal regions of Bihar.
