22 Dec :The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has revised the scheme of Educational Complex in Low Literacy Pockets for Development of women literacy in tribal areas and renamed as ‘Strengthening Education among Scheduled Tribes (ST) Girls in Low Literacy Districts’ during the Eleventh Five Year Plan. It is a gender specific 100% Central Sector Scheme. Coverage of the scheme includes 54 identified Districts where the ST population is 25% or more, and ST female literacy rate below 35% as per 2001 census.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Dr. Rameshwar Oraon in a reply to a question by Shri B.J. Panda and Ms. Mabel Rebello in Rajya Sabha today. This scheme also covers tribal blocks in districts other than 54 identified districts where ST population is 25% or more, and ST female literacy rate below 35% and areas below block level inhabited by notified Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). Naxal affected areas are given priority out of the aforesaid areas. This scheme is implemented through Non-Governmental Organizations/autonomous society/Institute of State/UT. Under the scheme financial assistance is given for ST Girls Hostels, Educational Complexes at primary and middle/secondary levels. Beside, free schooling, boarding/lodging, uniforms, books, food, cast stipend and incentive to girls students are also provided. In addition, the organization running the hostel educational complex is also required to impart Vocational/Skill Development Training among ST girls.