50 tribal migrant returnees test positive for Covid-19, livelihood and education key concerns

NEW DELHI: So far 50 tribal migrant workers who have returned to their villages in native states from cities during the COVID-19 lock down have tested positive for the infection. The update on Covid positive returnee migrants is based on feedback from 26 states shared with union ministry of tribal affairs.
This information was shared by states in a web meeting chaired by minister of tribal affairs (MoTA) Arjun Munda to address the livelihood concerns arising out of the current situation and focus on effective implementation of procurement of non - timber Minor Forest Produce to ensure the tribal gatherers are able to get a fair price for their produce. The meeting was attended by five chief ministers and state ministers from across 26 states.
As far as the 50 tribal migrants who have tested positive on return to their villages is for now being cited by officials in MoTA as no reason for alarm with states claiming to have the situation under watch and adequate quarantine measures in place. However, with many more migrant labourers returning home, in the days ahead testing and fool-proof adherence to quarantine protocol will be more critical than before to protect the tribal region from the spread of the infection. MoTA has been following up on the situation with states.
Meanwhile, there is an emerging concern among states over livelihood prospects for returnee migrants who are expected to stay on for longer than usual and some many even decide to not go back to the cities. Another concern is the future of education of children who have left school mid-way in urban cities and returned to the villages. The states have sought more Eklavya Model Residential Schools as a mid-term and long-term measure in case the number of tribal children seeking admissions sees a rise in the coming months.
To address the immediate livelihood challenge in the tribal regions, the Centre and states have decided to focus on procurement of produce to effectively implement the Minimum Support Price for 49 non-timber MFP items. To enable the tribal forest produce gatherers to get a fair price for his produce in the prevailing situation the government hiked MSP for MFP from May 1 in the range of 6% to 90%. The average increase in MSP for most items was between 15%-20% over the prices that were effective till April 30.
According to Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, managing director Pravir Krishna since May 1 MFP worth Rs 340 crores has been procured across 16 states by government agencies (worth Rs 40 crores) and private businessmen (Rs 300 crores) at the revised MSP and more than the revised rates respectively. He said gradually all states are stepping up procurement.
“Also 1126 centres for value addition to MFP under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Kendra scheme have been made functional through 18,000 Self Help Groups touching 3.5 lakh tribals,” Krishna added.