A legislative committee on Monday approved a record-high budget for the Council of Indigenous Peoples, with Minister Icyang Parod praising the government’s commitment to the welfare of indigenous communities.
The legislature’s Internal Administration Committee gave initial approval for a council budget of NT$11.19 billion (US$354.5 million) for next fiscal year.
Icyang Parod said that the budget has surpassed NT$10 billion over the past two years.
Photo: Lo Pei-de, Taipei Times
New council initiatives include a four-year NT$1 billion plan to promote construction of public spaces for indigenous peoples in urban areas, as well as funding to return native land used by Taiwan Sugar Corp (Taisugar), he said.
The latter issue stems from the occupation of land during the Japanese colonial era for sugar cultivation, which was later taken over by Taisugar.
The original indigenous owners have asked Taisugar to pay rent on the land, with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in 2017 calling a meeting with the company to start discussions on the issue.
Icyang Parod said that the council has continued negotiations with Taisugar, and has set aside NT$58.75 million for next fiscal year to purchase and return land from the company.
For the infrastructure plan, the council plans to build or refurbish nine community centers for indigenous people in urban areas, as well as 17 cultural venues, the minister said, adding that it is the first time the council is building urban public infrastructure.
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