EU commitment to tribals' health, education, development
A European Commission delegation has reached an agreement with the governments of Chattisgarh and Rajasthan to improve the quality of life of tribal communities. Related themes were discussed at a recent seminar.
Delhi (AsiaNews) The plight of tribal communities and their problems related to education and health services, and the commitment of the entire Indian community to overcoming these obstacles, were the themes tackled during a recent seminar. The seminar, "Reaching out to the Tribal communities in India - The European Commission's Experience", was held in New Delhi on 28 June.
Organized by the Delegation of the European Commission in India, the seminar focused on the problems and rights of Indian tribals and ways in which Indo-European cooperation can make a difference.
The day-long programme was divided into three parallel sessions: health and education needs of Indian tribals; enhancing livelihood through natural resources management and community participation and empowerment.
The 200 participants included NGOs supported by the European Union, government representatives and human rights activists.
During the seminar, Brussels and the governments of Chattisgarh and Rajasthan signed an agreement for a "State Partnership Programme" focusing on improving conditions for the tribals.
Fr Cedric Prakash, a Jesuit priest who was recently awarded the French Legion of Honour, was one of the speakers at the seminar. His contribution was highly praised. "This meeting", he told AsiaNews, "is a very important step in the right direction because it helped to highlight the situation of tribal communities in various parts of the country. Whilst many of the issues that emerged were not new to participants, the important thing was that linkages were forged between grassroots organizations, human rights activists, academics and donor agencies."
He added: "The EU played a significant role because it helped to focus on marginalization of tribals in India. A seminar like this will go a long way in helping tribal communities to take their rightful place in society."
"The agreement between the European Union and the governments of Chattisgarh and Rajasthan will be spread over a period of six years," said Francisco Da Camara Gomes, Ambassador and head of the European Delegation in India. "It will concentrate on progress in education, health and family welfare in the tribal-dominated areas of both states."
He continued: "The pact foresees close cooperation with the local governments: with our help, we hope to accelerate progress in these two regions of India towards the millennium development goals."
The aid forthcoming for tribals from the European Community has already borne fruit: thanks to a school project, the percentage of tribal children who enrolled in school in 2002 2003 was 8% and now it is 9.2%."
Gomes added: "The percentage is still very low: the lack of schools, adequate classroom facilities and teachers are major roadblocks we must overcome."
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