The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan with a total outlay of Rs. 79,156 crore (Central Share: Rs. 56,333 crore and State Share: Rs. 22,823 crore) for improving the socio-economic condition of tribal communities by adopting saturation coverage for tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts.
"The mission will cover around 63,000 villages, benefiting more than 5 crore tribal people, as announced in the Budget Speech 2024-25. It will cover 549 districts and 2,740 blocks spread across all tribal-majority villages in 30 States/UTs," the Ministry of Tribal Affairs said in a press release.
India has a Scheduled Tribes population of 10.45 crore, according to the 2011 census, and there are more than 705 tribal communities spread across the country, living in remote and hard-to-reach areas. The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan envisions filling critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood through various Government of India schemes through convergence and outreach, ensuring holistic and sustainable development of tribal areas and communities, based on the learnings and success of PMJANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan).
The mission comprises 25 interventions that will be implemented by 17 line ministries. Each ministry/department will be responsible for implementing the scheme related to it in a time-bound manner through funds allocated to them under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) over the next 5 years.
Key Objectives of the Program
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Infrastructure Development: The Abhiyan will provide eligible tribal households with pucca houses, clean drinking water, and electricity under schemes like PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, and RDSS. Roads, mobile connectivity, and internet access will also be improved in these villages.
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Economic Empowerment: To boost tribal self-reliance, the program will promote skill development, self-employment, and entrepreneurship. Support for agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and fishery activities will be offered, along with the creation of Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centers (TMMC).
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Access to Education: The mission seeks to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for tribal students, with plans to construct 1,000 new hostels to enhance access to quality education.
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Healthcare: Focus will be placed on improving healthcare access for tribal communities through mobile medical units and enhanced immunization programs. Special efforts will be made to address conditions like Sickle Cell Disease, with the establishment of Centers of Competence in AIIMS and other premier institutes.
Schemes for Sustainable Livelihoods
In addition to core objectives, the PMJUGA includes innovative schemes to promote tourism and sustainable livelihoods. The program will promote tribal homestays in tourist regions and support the Forest Right Act (FRA) patta holders with livelihood opportunities in agriculture and forestry. The program is a comprehensive example of cooperative federalism, engaging 17 ministries to deliver sustainable development to India’s tribal communities over the next five years.