The Union Cabinet has granted approval for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), an extensive scheme designed to bolster tribal communities with a substantial budget of ₹24,000 crore. Announcing the approval, Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur highlighted that the initiative is set to uplift 75 identified Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 states, encompassing 1 Union Territory, 220 districts, and 22,000 villages. It is anticipated to positively impact around 28,16,000 individuals within tribal communities.
India’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, totaling 10.45 crore as per the 2011 census, includes 75 communities across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The scheme was unveiled during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations in Khunti, Jharkhand, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Development Mission.’
PM-JANMAN aims to introduce vital interventions encompassing permanent housing, road connectivity, piped water supply, mobile medical units, construction of hostels and ‘Anganwadi’ facilities, establishment of skill development centers, electricity connections, solar street lighting, Bandhan Vikas Kendra, and mobile towers. These initiatives are planned to align with existing schemes like PM Awas Yojana (PMAY), Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and health missions to cover all eligible beneficiaries.
Nine key ministries responsible for health, livelihoods, tribal affairs, telecom, and other sectors will oversee the implementations. Additional support will be provided by ministries such as Ayush, intending to establish Ayush Wellness Centers and extend Ayush facilities through mobile medical units. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will offer skill and vocational training in PVTG habitations and hostels.
The allocated ₹24,000 crore budget for the scheme comprises ₹15,336 crore from the central government and ₹8,768 crore from the states, ensuring collaborative efforts to uplift and empower the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across the country.