A total of 1770 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) have so far been sanctioned in 22 States & one Union Territory for promotion of tribal entrepreneurship and livelihood generations wherein a total of about 5.27 Lakhs beneficiaries have been associated. This includes 5 VDVKs sanctioned for Uttar Pradesh State as per details below:

Sl. No.	NameofDistrict	Name                  of VDVKs sanctioned	Amount Sanctioned(InRs.Lakhs)	NumberofSelfHelpGroup	Number                          ofBeneficiaries
1	Sonbhadra	3	45.00	45	947
2	Lalitpur	2	14.55	15	291
Total		5	59.55	60	1238

It is envisaged to scale up implementation of the program in 26 States and 308 Districts including 39 aspirational districts where significant forest dwelling tribal population and rich source of Minor Forest Produces. Further it is envisaged to explore opportunities to forge convergence with other central line Ministries to boost the initiative.

This information was given by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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