Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. File photo: The Bengaluru Live archive.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a separate Karnataka Adivasi Development Corporation, with a ₹33.36 crore grant for the social, educational and economic development of 33 Scheduled Tribe communities, according to details released by the Chief Minister’s Office.
The corporation is intended to give special priority to indigenous tribal communities, including Irula, Soliga, Jenu Kuruba, Kadu Kuruba, Kudiya and Siddi. The government has identified education and economic empowerment among its objectives.
Its stated priorities include promoting entrepreneurship, developing skills, improving access to markets and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The government’s outline also envisages special programmes for educational progress and economic empowerment.
The Chief Minister’s Office said the government was committed to the overall development, education and empowerment of Adivasi and tribal communities, with the aim of extending development benefits to marginalised sections.
Separately, it outlined a proposal for Karnataka’s first tribal university on 120 acres at Challakere in Chitradurga district. The proposal builds on the plan covered in The Bengaluru Live’s earlier report on the proposed tribal university.
The planned university would focus on tribal art, languages, literature, culture and traditional knowledge. Research into tribal ways of life, social and economic development and traditional practices forms part of the proposed academic focus.
Skills-based education and vocational courses are also envisaged to improve employment and career opportunities. The announcement did not specify when the university would open or admissions would begin.
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