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MUNGEKAR COMMITTE REPORT

The Mungekar Committee Report, officially known as the Third Report of the Standing Committee on Inter-Sectoral Issues Relating to Tribal Development on Standards of Administration and Governance in the Scheduled Areas, was chaired by Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar. Let’s explore its key recommendations:

1.       Scope and Purpose:

·         The    committee   focused   on    assessing    the administration   and    governance in the Scheduled Areas.

·         It aimed to enhance the effectiveness of institutions, infrastructure, and policies related to tribal welfare.

2.       Recommendations:

o   Reviving Institutions of Self-Governance:

§  The report emphasized the need to strengthen local self-governance structures within tribal regions.

§  Reviving and empowering traditional institutions (such as village councils) was crucial.

o   Effective Delivery Mechanism:

§  The committee proposed measures to improve the delivery of services and benefits to tribal communities.

§  Streamlining administrative processes and ensuring timely implementation were key aspects.

o   Critical Infrastructure:

§  Recommendations included creating essential infrastructure such as schools, healthcare centers, roads, and communication networks.

§  Access to clean water, electricity, and sanitation facilities was highlighted.

o   Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP):

§  The report stressed the effective utilization of TSP funds for tribal development.

§  Ensuring transparency and accountability in TSP implementation was essential.

o   Forest Rights Act (FRA):

§  The committee addressed the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

§  Ensuring forest land rights for tribal communities was a priority.

o   Role of Ministries and Commissions:

§  Recommendations covered the roles of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, State Tribal Welfare Departments, and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

§  The SCs & STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 was also discussed.