Revision summary
• DAPST (formerly Tribal Sub-Plan) is a central financial mechanism ensuring earmarked fund allocation for ST development. • It originated during the 5th Five-Year Plan (1974) and was later renamed to streamline planning and fund allocation. • Central ministries must allocate 2.5% to 17.5% of their scheme outlays proportional to the national ST population. • The primary goal is to bridge critical infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood gaps in tribal regions. • Major hurdles include historical fund diversion, under-utilization, poor data disaggregation, and local administrative bottlenecks. • Strengthening statutory backing and decentralized monitoring via Gram Sabhas are key to improving its ground-level impact.
Model answer
Copper italics in this answer — like this — are the key facts. Each one is unpacked in the Facts & figures rail.
Introduction
The Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), previously designated as the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), serves as a dedicated financial and administrative mechanism. It ensures earmarked fund allocation from general central ministries for the socio-economic and educational development of Scheduled Tribes.
Body
Genesis and Evolution
- Policy Origin: Emerged from the recommendations of the Task Force on Development of Tribal Areas during the 5th Five-Year Plan in 1974.
- Name Change: Formally restructured and renamed as DAPST to streamline planning and mandate non-lapsable pool fund allocation.
Core Objectives and Mechanism
- Financial Earmarking: Mandates central ministries and departments to allocate 2.5% to 17.5% of their total scheme outlays in proportion to the ST population.
- Gap-Filling Role: Focuses on bridging critical gaps in health, education, livelihood, and infrastructure in tribal areas.
Implementation Challenges
- Fund Diversion: Historically suffered from under-utilization, diversion of funds to non-tribal areas, and lack of disaggregated data.
- Administrative Bottlenecks: Capacity constraints at state and local levels often impede timely expenditure and monitoring.
Flow diagram
flowchart TD A[Central Ministries Outlay] --> B[DAPST Earmarking 2.5 to 17.5pct] B --> C[State Level Allocation] D[Tribal Sub-Plan Strategy] --> E[Critical Gap Filling] E --> F[Health Education Livelihood] C --> G[Outcomes Monitored via Portal]
Conclusion
DAPST remains a vital instrument for translating constitutional safeguards into tangible developmental outcomes for tribal populations. Strengthening statutory backing and decentralized monitoring through Gram Sabhas will ensure optimal utilization of earmarked resources.
Quick related
Students also ask
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Constitutional Safeguards for Backward Classes.
Next question on this syllabus topic (2024 · Q5(e)). View answer →
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What is the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST)?
DAPST is a financial strategy that mandates central ministries to earmark a specific percentage of their budget for the development of Scheduled Tribes.
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How does DAPST differ from the earlier Tribal Sub-Plan?
DAPST is the restructured and renamed version of the Tribal Sub-Plan, designed to tighten monitoring and ensure non-lapsable fund allocations across central ministries.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2015 · Q4(c) · Anthropology GS 2 · 15 marks
Critically compare 'Affirmative Action' of USA and 'Protective Discrimination' for Scheduled Tribes in India -
2021 · Q4(c) · Anthropology GS 2 · 15 marks
Elucidate the problems and challenges in educational attainment of the Scheduled Tribes -
2016 · Q6(c) · Anthropology GS 2 · 15 marks
Explain the difficulties experienced by scheduled tribes with regard to implementation of the 'Recognition of Forest Rights Act, 2006' -
2016 · Q8(a) · Anthropology GS 2 · 20 marks
Write in detail various provisions provided by the Constitution of India for the scheduled tribes under Fifth and Sixth Schedules -
2016 · Q8(b) · Anthropology GS 2 · 15 marks
Critically examine the role of NGOs and missionaries in transformation of scheduled tribes in Central India
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