The state government has decided to transfer tribal development funds directly into the bank accounts of gram panchayats from May 1, 2018 to ensure the speedy development of tribal areas. According to the tribal development department, around 9 per cent of the total fund in the state's annual budget, which amounts to about Rs 5,000 crore, is reserved for the welfare and development of tribal communities. As per the government's records, Maharashtra's tribal population stands at 1.5 lakh however a mere 60,000 people have benefited from various government tribal schemes so far. "We've had good schemes for the state's tribal communities however most of these are rife with corruption, with middlemen and contractors enjoying the funds. ABOUT BENEFITSThe state’s tribal population is 1.5 lakh but only 60,000 have received benefits.

Source: dna November 14, 2017 03:00 UTC