Video Conference with the Hon'ble Chief Ministers Chaired by Union Minister For Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda
Video Conference with the Hon'ble Chief Ministers Chaired by Union Minister For Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda held on 12.05.2020.
The current situation due to Covid-19 has dealt a serious blow to the livelihoods of the poor and marginalized communities including the tribal artisans and gatherers, being the most vulnerable people in the country. In the current ongoing Covid-19 crisis, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has taken a number of initiatives for ameliorating the cause of tribals, by way of arranging National as well as State Level webinars in collaboration with UNICEF for combating the Impact of Covid-19 on NTFP Trade, which included an advisory for NTFP gatherers for following social distancing measures and safety precautions.
Agenda of the proposed VC meeting was: -
- Urgency in activating tribal welfare activities due to unprecedented situation due to Covid-19.
- Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest produce (MSP for MFP) and development of Value Chain for MFP through Van Dhan Kendras
- State wise status overview
- MSP for MFP – Way forward
- Revision of MSP of MFP on 1 May 2020
- Supporting 1.5 Million Tribals dependent on Forest Produce based livelihoods
- Action required - Ready Reckoner for States
Maharashtra updates and discussions-
- The state highlighted the problems being faced by returning migrants and informed that necessary GR in this regard for relief has been issued. It was also informed that required GR for Van Dhan has also been issued and work with full speed will start.
- The State has initiated procurement of MFPs and currently major MFP procured are Mahua&Giloe with further additions to the list to happen.
- The State has also initiated the MFP procurement work through the VDVKs and has given each of the VDVKs Rs. 5 lakhs for procurement. This model can be adopted by other States too for expediting procurement during the current peak season. The Implementing agency has prepared proposals for additional VDVKs and will soon submit to TRIFED for sanctioning.
