To globally promulgate the culture and traditions of the Tharu tribes of Uttar Pradesh, the state’s Chief Minister is now proactively working towards the developmental plans. UP’s Tharu villages will now be part of the mainstream development, with a focus on economic advancement. The state government is working on a new and special scheme for the Tharu villages in Balrampur, Bahraich, Lakhimpur and Pilibhit, wherein they will be connected to the ‘Home Stay Scheme’ of the Forest department.
Tharu Villages to be connected to the Home Stay of the UP-Forest Corporation
Once the Tharu villages are linked to this scheme, the tribes will not only be economically independent but would also have ample of jobs for themselves. These villages will be connected to the Home Stay of the UP-Forest Corporation, without disrupting their existing environment and tourists will be able to live in these natural habitats in these huts. The forest corporation would also train the Tharu people to communicate in a better way with the tourists and they would also guide the tribes in terms of behaving in a certain manner with the visitors.
The villagers would also be trained to inform the visitors of the security, safety, cleanliness and the rules and laws of the jungles.
By allowing them to avail accommodation facilities in their huts and eat home cooked food by them, the Tharu people will also be able to charge the tourists as per their wish. Every year hordes of domestic and international tourists will be able to have a peek into the special culture of the Tharu tribes, stay with them, study and observe their lifestyle, food habits, culture and their attires.
According to additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Eva Sharma, the Forest Corporation is expanding the Home Stay scheme and work was underway to link it to Tharu families. The government has been making continuous efforts for the economic and social development of the Tharu community, reportedly. According to the 2011 census the number of scheduled castes in Uttar Pradesh is pegged at 11,34,273 and as per an estimate, their number has crossed the figure of 20 lakhs in the last nine years and the largest tally belongs to the Tharu community.
With inputs from IANS
