Patna: The Bihar government has announced a Rs. 30 crore package aimed at promoting the social, economic, and educational development of the Tharu community, a historically marginalised group in the state. The initiative is being seen as a significant step towards integrating deprived communities into the mainstream.
Lakhendra Kumar Roshan, the state’s Minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare, said the package would accelerate a range of developmental programmes. “We have prepared a special list identifying around 22 lakh people from the Tharu community and other marginalised groups,” he added, emphasising that the schemes would be implemented in a targeted manner.
With a significant Tharu population concentrated in West Champaran, many welfare programmes are being run through the Tharuhat Development Authority. The schemes aim to bolster education, healthcare, employment, housing, and basic infrastructure. The minister also indicated that the authority could be expanded, with potential support from the central government.
National Seminar on Tribal Development
In a related development, the Bihar Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute, under the Department of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare, hosted a National Tribal Seminar at Patna’s Planetarium auditorium. The seminar sought to chart new directions for tribal development and encourage active participation in government programmes.
Priyanka Rani, the department’s director, highlighted the need to increase tribal representation in politics, education, and administrative services. She also announced that a new building for the institute in Mithapur will begin construction in January, strengthening research, training, and policy-making efforts.
Experts at the seminar stressed the importance of understanding tribal social structures to design effective programmes. Dr Shailendra noted that mainstream inclusion must be a priority, while other participants discussed cultural preservation, education, and community welfare.
