New Delhi: In a major step toward improving the socio-economic condition of India’s tribal population, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan on September 18, 2024. With a substantial outlay of Rs. 79,156 crore (Central Share: Rs. 56,333 crore; State Share: Rs. 22,823 crore), this initiative aims to provide saturation coverage to tribal families in over 63,000 villages across tribal-majority areas and aspirational districts, benefitting more than 5 crore tribal people.
The mission spans 549 districts and 2,740 blocks across 30 States and Union Territories, focusing on delivering holistic and sustainable development to India’s tribal communities.
Multi-Ministerial Approach for Holistic Development
The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan will be implemented through 25 key interventions and schemes by 17 line ministries of the government. Each ministry will be responsible for the timely execution of specific schemes within the next five years, funded through the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).
The mission seeks to address critical gaps in areas like social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood in tribal-majority villages. The convergence of government schemes will ensure a comprehensive approach to improve the living standards of the tribal population based on the learnings and successes of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PMJANMAN).
Tribal Homestays under Swadesh Darshan for Sustainable Livelihood
A significant initiative under this mission is the Tribal Home Stays – Swadesh Darshan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism. This scheme will promote 1,000 tribal homestays in villages with tourism potential, offering an alternative livelihood to tribal households.
Under the scheme, each household will receive Rs. 5 lakh for constructing two new rooms and up to Rs. 3 lakh for renovating existing rooms. An additional Rs. 5 lakh will be allocated for village community requirements, helping to boost tourism and provide economic opportunities for tribal families.
Focus on Mapping and Monitoring Progress
The tribal villages covered under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan will be mapped on the PM Gati Shakti Portal. This platform will identify gaps in infrastructure and services in tribal areas and monitor the physical and financial progress of the scheme. Best-performing districts will be awarded for their progress in achieving the goals of the mission.
Envisioning a Holistic Development for Tribal India
With India’s Scheduled Tribe population standing at 10.45 crore (according to the 2011 Census) and over 705 tribal communities spread across remote areas, the mission is set to bridge critical gaps in tribal development. The government’s focus is on ensuring that every tribal village receives the necessary resources to thrive, ultimately contributing to the vision of a developed and self-reliant tribal India.
