5. This IPDF is intended to guide selection and preparation of subprojects under the Investment Program to ensure distribution of program benefits and promote development of IPs in the program area. During Investment Program preparation, there was no IPs identified in the program towns. However, due to the long-term program duration, and future sub project identification, an IPDF has been prepared to guide further program implementation. In case significant impacts on IPs are identified, this IPDF framework will be applied during subproject preparation, in accordance with requirements for future tranches and ADB's Indigenous Peoples Policy (1998).

6. A full Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (IPDP) is required if there exists:

(i) adverse impacts on customary rights of use and access to land and natural resources;

(ii) negative effects on socioeconomic and cultural integrity;

(iii) effects on livelihood, and social security status; and/or

(iv) Other impacts that may alter or undermine indigenous knowledge and customary institutions.

7. If impacts are insignificant, specific actions in favor of IPs can be incorporated within the Resettlement Plan (RP) for the sub-project. This would ensure appropriate mitigation and benefits for IP. The National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, 2007 (NRRP 2007) ensures wide range of benefits and provisions to the STs incase their land is to be acquired. All the impacts (if foreseen) will be addressed adequately as per the National and ADB's policy.

8. The Department of Power, Government of Himachal Pradesh will function as the Executive Agency (EA) of the proposed MFF. The HPC is the Implementing agency (IA) for the proposed HCEDIP which will have specific Project Management Unit (PMU). There will be different PIUs. Each of the component hydropower projects will be implemented independently through the PIUs.

9. Keeping in view the capacity of HPC, it is proposed that an Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) will be set up within the PMU along with other engineering units to address environmental and social issues of the HCEIDP, and will be staffed by chief Environmental Specialist and Chief Resettlement Specialist. The ESMU will be assisted by the one Environment and one Social Development cum Resettlement Specialist at each PIU level to assist the chief specialist. The PMU through its ESMU will do the overall coordination, preparation, planning, implementation, and financing of social, resettlement and IP issues. The EA and IA will ensure that key institutions including local governments are involved in implementation of all the social issues. The resettlement specialist in ESMU will be responsible for addressing the IP issues in case there are any impacts on IPs in the future tranche sub projects. The EMSC through its social/resettlement specialist will implement the IPDF. Additionally, the tribal welfare department will be involved for implementation of IPDF.

10. The IPDP policy framework is based on the overall local and national development strategies and ADB's Policy on Indigenous Peoples (1998). The principal objectives are to:

(i) ensure IPs affected by any sub-project will benefit from the Investment Program;

(ii) ensure IPs inclusion in the entire process of preparation, implementation, and monitoring of program activities;

(iii) ensure benefits from subprojects are available to IPs more than or at least equal to other affected groups; this may require giving preference to IPs as vulnerable groups over others on certain benefits under the Investment Program; and

(iv) provide a base for IPs in the area to receive adequate development attention.