PRI Awareness Program
Government of India is committed to the agenda of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Viswas' for inclusive development and upliftment of all. With the focus on sustainable development and inclusive growth, Ministry of Tribal Affairs is dedicated to improving the lives of the tribal communities through designing policies and programmes benefitting tribal population. The extent to which tribal communities are able to access their rights and entitlements is dependent on how effectively the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) function.
Capacity building and awareness programme has been launched by the Ministry with the aim to empower tribal PRI representatives by enhancing their decision-making capabilities at local government level. Among other issues concerning tribal development, it also focuses on constitutional and legal provisions that protect and promote the rights and welfare of the tribal population. The programme will ensure greater participation of ST PRI representatives in planning, execution and monitoring of government policies and programmes. Their better participation in the development process would ensure better prioritization of the tribal development agenda
The capacity building of PRI representatives, who directly participate in the development initiatives at local government level, can be of great help in bridging the development gaps among communities and regions. This will help in effective and better implementation of various developmental and welfare programmes and substantially improve the expected outcomes.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs has partnered with Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and SCSTRI Odisha to develop the National level Framework for the training programme. The module for capacity building programme has also been developed in partnership with United Nations Development Programme for the purpose. Facilitators from within the tribal communities will be involved in the Capacity Building process so that information sought to be conveyed can be better done in the local idiom.
The Capacity Building Programme will be implemented in a cascading mode for better coverage and faster implementation. The programme will commence with the Training of Master Trainers followed by training of facilitators. It will be implemented in a thematic manner by prioritizing themes for the capacity building of PRI Representatives, which are required for the community. The programme will be implemented by State governments through respective State Tribal Research Institutes.