The Centre is considering to appoint a Tribal Commission. It will suggest to formulate legislations to protect tribal land and their rights in the country. Talking to media persons in New Delhi today, Tribal Affairs and Panchayati Raj Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo said, it will start working from 1st of January next year after procedural formalities. He informed that draft note is being put up for the consideration of planning commission in this connection. After its approval by the Planning Commission, it will be sent to the Cabinet. The Minister said, the Commission will also examine if another Schedule should be added to the Constitution to recognise traditional tribal governing institutions.

Our Correspondent reports that the move is seen as a measure to develop remote, tribal-dominated districts and stem the menace of naxalism. The Centre will appoint a Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission – the third since independence – to examine various issues of development and welfare of tribals, especially primitive tribal groups.

Earlier, inaugurating the silver jubilee function of Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited, TRIFED, Mr Chandra Kishore Deo appreciated its contribution in trading in forest and agricultural products from tribal areas. He asked, TRIFED to concentrate on Minor Forest Produce, MFP, as it has significant economic and social value for the forest dwellers. He said the Federation should also ensure that forest dwellers and the tribals get good returns of MFPs.

The Minster said, government has already decided to give Minimum Support Price, MSP for MFPs and TRIFED has to play an important role in implementation of the MSP Scheme for MFPs.