Bringing tribals to mainstream top priority: Jual Oram

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram Tuesday said that bringing over 10 crore tribals to social mainstream and strengthening institutions for their upliftment would be his top priority.

"The thrust will be on building up and strengthening institutions like Integrated Tribal Development Agencies, micro-projects and Tribal Research Institutions," he said after assuming charge of the ministry.

Oram stressed that the government will focus on striking a balance between environment and development.

He said that his previous stint in the tribal affairs ministry in the previous National Democratic Alliance government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee will help him understand the problems and issues of tribals.