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Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojna: Not Empty Promises but a Functional... 61

We have been witnessing the consequences of the plans
and the promises since the last 60 years. And we have to confess
that following the Constitution in order to uplift the schedule
tribe section is not enough. We accept this inevitable truth, and
aim to fulfil the dream of making the schedule tribe section
participate actively in the journey of development. We also wish
that they get their right of development and achieve bright
results.

There is a need to have an innovative functional method
for the empowerment of the 15% tribal population, for the
growth of their abilities so that they can take optimum advantage
of the opportunities offered to them. The present government’s
result-oriented accomplishments and the qualitative
improvement in the educational and economic progress
programs is well-known to all.

The development plan for the tribals started with, Adijati
Peta Yojana, in 1974. Since then till 2001 – which means during
the period of 27 years, only ` 6500 crores have been spent. On
the other hand, the present government spent approximately
` 6000 crores only in five years – from 2002 to 2007. This stark
contrast is quite in plain sight. Apart from that, through the
medium of, ‘Gujarat Pattern,’ Gujarat has achieved a noticeable
success in the implementation of the Adijati Kalayaan model.

Gujarat has always been the foremost in the country in
giving the land on lease to the tribal farmers. Moreover, the
State Government is waiting for the Central Government’s
approval of the proposal to provide 2236 hectares of land for
the rest of the 3344 families.

It is certainly a matter of pride and satisfaction for the State
Government. However, we are aiming even higher and want to
work harder for the prosperity of the Adijati.

The State Government clearly believes that the development
is inclusive of all sections of the society. It fosters all, and must
spread across the nation. In order to fulfill this approach, we
aim to form a five-year plan for the holistic development of the
tribals wherein we are planning to utilize the tribal package of
` 15000. This package is going to be an historical event because