Funds for tribal development

TT, Aug 28, 2018, Jalpaiguri: The West Bengal Tribal Development and Cultural Board is all set to draw up plans for infrastructure schemes with the Bengal government allotting Rs 3.50 crores to the body.

The funds to the board which was constituted in April were allocated by the tribal welfare department.

"The board has received funds which will be spent to build its office at Malbazar in Jalpaiguri. We would also take up schemes like improvement of roads, drinking water supply, electrification, infrastructure for education and conservation and promotion of tribal culture and heritage," said Birsa Tirkey, the chairman of the board, here on Monday.

The board comprises 11 members and has two MLAs, Uma Soren of Jhargram and Bulu Chik Baraik of Malbazar, as vice-chairpersons.

Tirkey, who was in the district magistrate's office to discuss a draft of the proposed welfare schemes, said the schemes would be implemented in Jungle Mahal, Dooars and the Terai.

"A meeting of the board would be held on September 14 in Malbazar where discussion would be held in detail about the schemes. Our plan is to take up schemes in the districts of Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar," he said.