Union Budget 2025-26 Boosts Tribal Welfare with Record ₹14,925.81 Crore Allocation

New Delhi: The Union Budget 2025-26 has reinforced the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs) with a historic increase in budgetary allocation. Presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the budget earmarks ₹14,925.81 crore for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, reflecting a significant 45.79% increase from the previous year’s allocation of ₹10,237.33 crore.

India, home to over 10.45 crore ST individuals—constituting 8.6% of the total population—has long prioritized tribal welfare. The enhanced budgetary support is aimed at improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities for these communities, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Major Allocations and Key Initiatives

A substantial portion of the increased allocation has been directed toward flagship initiatives that directly impact tribal communities.

The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) scheme, which provides quality education to tribal students, has received ₹7,088.60 crore—nearly double the ₹4,748 crore allocated last year. This boost aims to establish more schools and improve educational infrastructure in tribal-dominated areas.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Jatiya Vikas Mission, designed to create year-round income-generating opportunities, has been allocated ₹380.40 crore, marking a significant increase from ₹152.32 crore in the previous budget.

The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), which focuses on bridging infrastructural gaps in education, healthcare, and employment, has seen a 163% increase in funding, with ₹335.97 crore allocated for 2025-26.

For the socio-economic upliftment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the budget has doubled funding for Multi-Purpose Centers (MPC) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), raising it from ₹150 crore to ₹300 crore.

Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: A Landmark Initiative

A key highlight of the budget is the launch of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), an ambitious scheme aimed at eliminating infrastructural deficits in 63,843 villages. With a total budgetary outlay of ₹79,156 crore over five years, this initiative integrates efforts from 17 ministries through 25 targeted interventions. The scheme seeks to improve access to health, education, livelihood opportunities, and skill development in tribal areas.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ allocation under DAJGUA has surged from ₹500 crore to ₹2,000 crore in the 2025-26 budget, signaling the government’s strong intent to accelerate development in tribal regions.

Government Leaders Hail the Budget

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram emphasized that the budget, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is focused on building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ensuring sustainable development for tribal communities.

Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uikey noted that the increased budget would significantly enhance tribal education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, paving the way for a brighter future.

Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Vibhu Nayar highlighted the transformative impact of initiatives like PM-JANMAN, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, and EMRS, ensuring long-term benefits for tribal populations.

The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a paradigm shift in tribal welfare, integrating multi-sectoral interventions to drive education, healthcare, and economic development. By prioritizing tribal empowerment through targeted investments, the government is fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that tribal communities play a key role in India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.