Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) of Implementation of Socio-Economic Development Programmes and Policies

Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implementation of the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) in central government schemes, focusing on assessing the current achievements against STC goals and providing recommendations to enhance the efficiency of STC fund utilization. The study also explored the planning process at the central level and the implementation process at the ground level.

Methodology: The study employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Qualitative analysis included the review of publicly available reports and interviews with officials. Quantitative analysis involved primary data collection from rural households in Jharkhand to identify critical issues relevant to STC implementation. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for interviews with government officials at various levels. The study was conducted in Jharkhand, focusing on two districts (Simdega and Latehar) with significant tribal populations. The study covered three major schemes—Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), and Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)—and also collected data on the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Key Findings:

• Earmarking of Funds: Central government ministries generally meet STC targets as per NITI guidelines, but this achievement is often notional. The study found large gaps in benefit access by ST households compared to General, OBC, and SC households, indicating a need for policy review and redesign.
• No Additionality: The study revealed that there is no “additionality” in the interpretation or practice of STC guidelines, with earmarking and expenditure reconciliation under STC largely being an accounting exercise.
• Access to Benefits: ST households in Jharkhand were found to avail government program benefits to a significantly lesser extent than other communities, with ST households more likely to be excluded during the application process due to incomplete documentation or incorrect information.
• Benefit Disparities: Statistical analysis showed that among poor households within the same village, ST households received significantly fewer benefits compared to General, OBC, and even SC households, despite scheme dashboards indicating high fund utilization under STC.

Recommendations:

1. Review of TSP/STC Origins: There is a need for a thorough analysis of the origins of the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and STC in the 1970s to understand the original rules and their evolution.
2. Increased Inclusion: Ministries running beneficiary-oriented programs should allocate part of STC funds to increase inclusion of ST households, with independent and regular monitoring of progress.
3. Dedicated Programs: Complementing ongoing large schemes with dedicated programs targeting the long-term upliftment of the ST community, such as ST education-related initiatives and the SC-ST hub program by MSME, is recommended.
4. Research and Field Support: NCST and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) should appoint or designate suitable organizations for research, field support, and engagement to actualize the aims of STC. These initiatives should be well-funded and continuously evaluated.
5. Local Needs Consideration: Scheme designs should consider the specific needs and aspirations of the local tribal population, which can be improved through more field research and implementation of findings by respective ministries and MoTA.