Bhopal, May 28: An integrated scheme would be chalked out merging the ongoing schemes and programmes for development of tribals in Madhya Pradesh. This aims at speedier development of tribals and tribal areas. The integrated scheme would be implemented from the current year itself.

This decision was taken at a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to review the tribal development schemes here at Mantralaya today. Minister for Tribal Welfare Kunwar Vijay Shah, Minister of State Ranjana Baghel, Chief Secretary RC Sahni, Principal Secretary OP Rawat and Principal Secretaries, Secretaries and other senior officers concerned attended the meeting.

The chief Minister said that the development works should be taken up in keeping with the local circumstances and requirements. He stressed the need for providing necessary financial assistance to tribal small land holders, youths for dairy, orchards, technical training through polytechnics and ITIs, lift irrigation schemes, safe drinking water, cow rearing etc apart from expansion of the basic facilities like roads, electricity, irrigation, education and health in the state. Co-operation of voluntary institutions and private sector should be enlisted wherever necessary. Chouhan directed the integrated scheme should be prepared after studying the schemes being implemented in Gujrat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The meeting was informed that about Rs 3000 crore is spent under the sub-plan by different departments of the state every year. The integrated scheme would boost the development activities for tribals.