The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a slew of welfare measures for minority communities and tribal girls, besides allocating a substantial amount to a dedicated fund to implement various social and infrastructure development schemes launched by it. The projects were cleared at a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Topping the list is a centrally-sponsored scheme — Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP), first reported by The Indian Express last December. As per the programme, Rs 3,780 crore will be spend for various development schemes in 90 minority concentrated districts in the country, during the Eleventh Plan. The scheme would even allow funding for critical infrastructure projects like roads, basic health facilities, ICDS centres, and skill development which are already funded through separate schemes.

However, the release of funds to the state governments under the scheme is conditional upon the respective state’s commitment to constitute state and district level committees for the implementation of Prime Minister’s 15-point programme for minorities.

The CCEA also approved continuation of a dedicated fund — Social and Infrastructure Development Fund — beyond 2007-08, to fund Government’s social sector initiatives, which include upgradation of 1,396 ITIs, training of farmers, employment of physically challenged etc.

It also approved a revised scheme to ensure better education for tribal girls in 54 districts. These are districts with more than 25 per cent tribal population whose female literacy is below 35 per cent. In fact, even blocks from other districts but with above characteristics would also be covered under the scheme. He assistance per girl student has been increased from Rs 9,000 per annum to Rs 26,000 per annum recurring expenditure. The scheme will be launched from April this year.

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