THE
CONGRESS PARTY'S PRIORITIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES
DALITS
AND ADIVASIS
The
Congress will create a national consensus on the issue of
dalits and adivasis getting a reasonable share of jobs in
the private sector. A dialogue with private industry will
be initiated to identify how best Indian industry could
fulfill in tangible measure the aspirations of youth, especially
those belonging to the weaker sections of society.
Determined
efforts will be made to promote a culture of entrepreneurship
among the dalits and adivasis by providing businesses run
by them with preferential treatment in government procurement
and by extending bank credit at affordable terms.
State
governments will be urged to make legislation for conferring
ownership rights in respect of minor forest produce on adivasis
particularly who work in forests.
All
reservation quotas, including those relating to promotions
will be fulfilled in a time-bound manner. Special recruitment
drives particularly for Class land II vacancies will be
launched.
A
comprehensive national programme for minor irrigation of
all lands owned by dalits and adivasis will be introduced.
Landless families will be endowed with some land through
the proper implementation of land ceiling and land redistribution
legislation.
There
is need to reconcile the objectives of faster economic growth
and environmental conservation as far as tribal communities
dependent on forests are concerned. The Forest Conservation
Act, 1980 has prevented a wholesale loss of forests. At
the same time, concerns have been raised that in its implementation
rigidities have developed depriving tribal communities the
benefits of economic growth. These concerns have to be recognized
and addressed in an ecologically sustainable manner. In
addition, there is need to put in place more effective systems
of relief and rehabilitation for tribal communities displaced
by development projects.
Taking
note of the growing unrest in tribal areas in various states,
the Congress will have a fresh look at development strategies
for tribal areas and work out new designs of sustainable
livelihoods. Income accruing to the government from forest
will be earmarked as additional assistance for programmes
of tribal development.
