Evaluation Study of Utilization of State TSP & SCA to TSP funds in Sample ITDAs and its Impact on Tribal Beneficiaries

Abstract

The Special Central Assistance (SCA) was conceptualized to provide an added thrust to the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in order to accelerate socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes. Special Central Assistance is provided to State Governments/UT Administrations as an additive to their Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). The main objective of SCA to TSP is to give a thrust to the development programmes for Scheduled Tribes with reference to their occupational pattern and the need for increasing the productivity of and income from their limited resources. Accordingly, a scheme called SCA to TSP was launched in 1977-78 to bridge the resource gap for the implementation of TSP. The ultimate objective of extending SCA to TSP is to boost the demand-based incomegenerationprogrammes and thus raise the economic and social status of tribals. Evaluation Study of Utilization of State TSP & SCA to TSP funds was conducted to comprehend the execution of the planned activities under SCA to TSP for tribal development;and to examine implementation of framed sector specific plans under SCA in TSP areas and assess to what extent the activities have benefitted the tribals.The study was conducted in 3 districts(Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh & Nabarangpur, 3 ITDAs (Bonai, Karanjia, Nabarangapur) covering 6 blocks and 12 GPs. The study highlighted that while SCA to TSS has been allocated based on tribal population, allocation of funds under SCA to TSS shows a fluctuating trend, with substantial reduction in fund flow towards tribal development and administrative agencies such as ITDA, MADA pockets etc during 2016-17,when there has been growth in tribal population in the State.In conformity with the guidelines, SCA funds are being utilized by the tribal development and administration units for economic development of the tribals. Funds are also utilized for the creation of different infrastructures that are supportive to IGA. But in many cases, the results remain below the expectation due to reasons like less ownership by the target mass, poor planning and execution, inadequate monitoring and follow-up, more focus on rendering support to tribal families rather than strategy for the sustainability of support provisions etc. The evaluation study has recommended some administrative and policy reforms to ensure effective planning & utilization of the SCA to TSP funds. Proper monitoring and supervision strategy need to be devised withperiodic assessment to understand the overall outcome of the specific investment and its outcome at the tribal household and community level. Quarterly review of progress, monitoring the quality of the activities implemented and providing guidance to the district / sub-district level tribal development administrative units may be taken up by the nodal department. Collaboration, regular consultation and review meetings with related line departments, whocan support technically in the implementation process,will be helpful to have a greater outcome of the interventions. At the department level, it is suggested to devise an exclusive Management Information System (MIS) of each scheme / program to track physical and financial progress, keeping track of the outcomes and making appropriate decision