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

The government is considering a scheme to provide Minimum Support Price, MSP for the Minor Forest Produce, MFP gathered by tribals. It will help tribal people to enhance their income level and to also get assured returns . 

Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo, while presenting his ministry's report in New Delhi said, the scheme is expected to yield good social dividend as it will provide sustainable livelihood support to the tribals.

The Minister said that 13 MFPs have been listed in the proposed MSP Scheme. These include Tendu leave, Bamboo, Mahuwa seed, Wild Honey, chironjee and Lac. The MSP will be decided by MFP Price Commission and will be implemented by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited.

Mr Deo said his ministry has also decided to start a scheme for strengthening Panchayats. It will look into the basic requirement like building, electricity, manpower and other expenses of Panchayats. The scheme will also require States to undertake reforms, devolve(pass on) funds, strengthen State Election Commissions and setting up mahila Sabha where they do not exist.

He said the awards were given to 170 Panchayats this yearfor their exemplary work in various areas of their functioning. It has also encouraged other Panchayats to follow their path.

In Madhya Pradesh, the first Saharia community radio station will go on air at Sesaipura in Sheopur district from tomorrow. AIR correspondent reports that the community radio station will raise the voice of primitive Saharia tribe.

Saharia community radio station is being launched by Vanya, an undertaking of State Tribal Welfare Department. It will broadcast programmes in Saharia dialect and Hindi. 

The radio station will serve as a bridge between tribal people and the government. It will also ensure direct participation of tribal communities in administrative machinery. 

The community radios station will not only protect tribal art and culture, but will also lead to tribal’s social and educational progres