INTEGRATED TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR TRIBAL AREAS OF SRIKAKULAM DISTRICT

Abstract

Integrated Area Development Approach has been adopted as a method for accelerated development of areas of tribal concentration. In Srikakulam district tribal areas, the Girijan Development Agency, a centrally sponsored agriculture-oriented project has been functioning since IV plan period and it is continued till the end of V plan period. It is therefore found imperative to expand the activities of GDA to other sectors such as health, education, major roads etc., that are hitherto outside its purview besides intensifying development effort in agriculture and allied sectors with additive funds from State general sector, State Tribal Welfare sector etc., so as to ensure integrated development of the area. The tribal population of the District is 2,12,459 which constitutes 8.2% to the total population of the District. The major tribes inhabiting the tribal area are Savara, Jatapu, Konda Dora and Gadaba. The social and cultural patterns of tribe show similar and diversities. Tribal development efforts in Srikakulam District can be categorized into two periods i.e prior to establishment of Girijan Development Agency (GDA) in 1972 and after the formation of Girijan Development Agency. The CD Blocks of Bhadragiri and Seethampeta have been converted into TD Blocks with effect from 1.4.1961 and Pachipenta from 1.4.1965. up to 1970-71 an amount of Rs. 117.80 lakhs have been spent on various tribal development schemes since 1966-67. The report also discussed the plan in outline and strategy for development. The strategy for agricultural development mainly rests on improving the agricultural practices of settled cultivators and introducing shifting cultivators to horticulture, plantation schemes etc. TO wean the tribals away from wasteful practices of shifting cultivation, it is proposed to reclaims 500 acres of cultivable land in order to settle 250 tribal landless families. The land will be reclaimed and assigned to these tribals and abort and medium inputs are provided on free grant basis. The report also talks about the development of sources and life irrigation schemes. The GDA has so far supplied 30 electric motors to the tribals in villages where there is electricity. The programmes like Animal Husbandry, forestry, Industrial, Education, Medical and Health, Communication and Credit and Marketing Structure details are discussed in this report.