New Delhi: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, today reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of tribal communities across the nation. Addressing the media, Shri Oram highlighted a series of transformative initiatives aimed at bridging developmental gaps and ensuring socio-economic progress for tribes.
A significant announcement was the commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh’, from November 15, 2024, to November 15, 2025, with year-long celebrations planned nationwide.
The Minister detailed the PM-JANMAN scheme, a transformative policy initiative with a budgetary outlay of ₹24,104 Crore, focused on the holistic development of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). This scheme aims to provide essential services like safe housing, clean drinking water, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities within three years.
Building on this, the Ministry has launched ‘DhartiAaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’, a multi-sectoral initiative integrating schemes from 17 ministries through 25 targeted interventions. Launched by the Prime Minister in October 2024, this ambitious program, backed by an investment of ₹79,156 crore over five years, seeks to saturate 63,843 tribal villages across 26 States and 4 UTs with essential service infrastructure.
Shri Oram also highlighted advancements in tribal education through the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), focusing on Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The Ministry’s scholarship schemes now benefit 30 lakh tribal students annually, with a threefold increase in financial allocation to approximately ₹3,088 crore. Higher education access has also significantly expanded with increased fellowships and overseas scholarships.
Other key initiatives include:
- PMAAGY (Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana): Launched in 2022, this scheme aims to transform tribal-dominated villages into model villages by focusing on 8 critical sectors like connectivity, education, and healthcare, with a provision of ₹20.38 lakh per village for gap-filling.
- National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC): This organization has expanded its reach, providing concessional financial assistance to tribal entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and students.
- Forest Rights Act (FRA): Significant progress has been made in implementing the Act, recognizing individual and community rights and empowering Gram Sabhas in forest governance.
- Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: Launched by the Prime Minister in July 2023, this mission aims to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047. Over 5 crore individuals have been screened, and 15 Centres of Competence have been sanctioned to enhance tribal healthcare services.
The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, was also present at the briefing.