The “Sarna / Jahersthan / Hadgadi & Masna Protection and Development Scheme” is an initiative by the Department of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare, Government of Jharkhand. The scheme aims to preserve and enhance sacred tribal sites by undertaking protection, infrastructure development, and beautification measures. This initiative supports the conservation of tribal culture and traditions through comprehensive development of culturally significant sites.
Benefits
- Fencing and Protection:
Installation of fencing around sacred sites to prevent encroachment. - Infrastructure Development:
Construction of multipurpose halls, seating arrangements, and water supply facilities. - Beautification & Preservation:
Landscaping, gardening, and tribal-themed wall paintings to enhance the site’s aesthetics. - Solar-Powered Lighting:
Installation of eco-friendly solar lighting solutions for improved safety and ambience. - Driveway & Walkway Development:
Creation of enhanced driveways and walkways to improve site accessibility. - Monetary Allocation:
Up to INR 5.00 Crore per unit based on approved estimates. - Cultural Promotion:
Establishment of storage facilities and designated areas for cultural performances.
Eligibility
- Site Requirements:
The location must be an officially recorded Sarna, Jahersthan, Hadgadi, or Masna site and hold cultural significance for the tribal community. - Community Usage:
The site should be actively used by the tribal community and have recognized cultural importance. - Beneficiary Committee:
A designated committee, comprising only tribal members, must be formed to manage the project. - Gram Sabha Approval:
The project must be approved by the Gram Sabha. - Land Registration:
The site must be registered under the records of the Revenue, Registration & Land Reforms Department.
Application Process
Offline
- Site Identification & Proposal Preparation:
- The Gram Sabha identifies the sacred site and prepares a detailed project proposal.
- Beneficiary Committee Formation:
- A committee composed exclusively of tribal members is formed under the guidance of traditional village leaders.
- Approval from Gram Sabha:
- The project proposal is formally approved and documented by the Gram Sabha.
- Submission to District Welfare Office/ITDA:
- The proposal, along with all required documents, is submitted to the District Welfare Office or the ITDA.
- Technical Assessment & Administrative Sanction:
- A technical review is conducted for feasibility and budgetary requirements. Upon satisfactory review, the concerned department grants administrative sanction.
- Fund Disbursement:
- The approved funds are released to the Beneficiary Committee for implementation.
Documents Required
- Land records verifying the authenticity of the site.
- Gram Sabha resolution approving the project.
- Details and identification of the Beneficiary Committee members.
- A detailed project proposal with technical estimates.
- Any additional documents as required by the concerned department.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for this scheme?
The scheme is targeted at tribal communities; only those sites officially recognized as Sarna, Jahersthan, Hadgadi, or Masna and used by the tribal community are eligible. - What kind of developments are covered under this scheme?
Developments include fencing, infrastructure improvements (multipurpose halls, seating, water facilities), beautification (landscaping, wall paintings), solar-powered lighting, and driveway/walkway construction. - What is the maximum financial assistance provided under the scheme?
Up to INR 5.00 Crore per unit, based on approved project estimates. - Who is responsible for implementing the scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare, Government of Jharkhand, with local execution by the Gram Sabha and district authorities. - How can a community apply for this scheme?
The process begins with site identification and proposal preparation by the Gram Sabha, followed by the formation of a tribal-only Beneficiary Committee, obtaining Gram Sabha approval, and submitting the proposal to the District Welfare Office or ITDA. - Can non-tribal individuals be part of the Beneficiary Committee?
No, the committee must be composed exclusively of tribal members. - What happens if there is a dispute within the Beneficiary Committee?
Disputes are typically resolved through mediation by traditional village leaders and, if necessary, intervention by the Gram Sabha or district authorities. - How is transparency ensured in fund utilization?
Funds are managed by the Beneficiary Committee under strict guidelines with oversight by the District Welfare Office and regular audits. - Is there any provision for solar energy installation under the scheme?
Yes, the scheme includes the installation of solar-powered lighting as part of the infrastructure improvements. - How can one check the status of their application?
Beneficiaries can follow up with the District Welfare Office or the ITDA, and updates are provided as part of the scheme’s administrative process. - What role does the Gram Sabha play in this scheme?
The Gram Sabha is instrumental in identifying eligible sites, approving the project proposals, and facilitating the formation of the Beneficiary Committee.