The Tribal Development Department came into existence in June, 1976 with the objective/purpose to give special focus on the social and economical upliftment of most deprived class of society i.e Scheduled Tribes. In the field level i.e. in Scheduled Area of Himachal Pradesh five Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP) had been opened viz. ITDP Kinnaur at Reckong Peo, ITDP Lahaul at Keylong, ITDP Spiti at Kaza, ITDP Pangi at Killar and ITDP Bharmour with its Headquarter at Shimla. In the year 1981 the work relating to the welfare of scheduled caste i.e. Special Component Plan had been given to this Department and thereby changing its name from Tribal Development Department to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Development Department. In May, 2002 the whole work relating the welfare of Scheduled Castes i.e. Special Component Plan has been transferred to Social Justice & Empowerment Department. Now this department is known with the name of Scheduled Tribes Development Department.

Business of Tribal Development Department:

All matters relating to planning generally e.g. assessment of resources, formulation of plans, laying down of targets and physical aspects and co-ordination in relation to matters affecting the tribal areas and the members of the Scheduled Tribes of the State.

Periodical assessment and evaluation of Plan activities in relation to matters affecting the tribal areas and the members of the Scheduled Tribes of the State.

All policy matters including introduction of new schemes affecting the tribal areas as also matters relating to the members of the Scheduled Tribes consultation thereof by all administrative departments with the Tribal Development Department.

Initiation of any proposal concerning any other department in relation to matters affecting the tribal areas or the members of the Scheduled Tribes of the State after due consultations and agreements with the concerned departments.

Tendering advice to all departments in relation to matters affecting the Tribal areas and the members of the Scheduled tribes of the State.

Overall co-ordination and evaluation of all activities of any department in relation to the matter affecting the tribal areas and the members of the Scheduled Tribes of the State.

Tribal Advisory Council.

Integrated Tribal Development Projects.

Establishment, budget and accounts matters of the Tribal Development Department.