Modi 3.0’s big ST push: Cabinet approves Rs 79,156 crore for tribal communities

The central government will contribute Rs 56,333 crore, while the states will share Rs 22,823 crore.

The union cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan with an outlay of Rs 79,156 crore to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.

This programme, aimed at 63,000 tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts, will benefit more than five crore tribal people across 549 districts and 2,740 blocks.

"The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan envisions saturation of critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood through different government schemes by convergence and outreach," the government said in a statement.

The program aims to ensure holistic and sustainable development in these areas, based on learnings from the successful Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PMJANMAN).

“PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan will be spread over five years,” information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a press briefing after the cabinet meeting.

The Centre will contribute Rs 56,333 crore and states Rs 22,823 crore towards the programme that seeks to provide pucca housing, clean drinking water, electricity, and healthcare to tribal households.

The initiative will also focus on improving village infrastructure, enhancing road and mobile connectivity and supporting economic empowerment through skill development and entrepreneurship.

A key component is the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for 22 lakh forest rights holders. The initiative will converge the efforts of multiple ministries, including agriculture, tribal affairs and animal husbandry, to empower these communities.

"The tribal villages covered under the Abhiyan would be mapped on the PM Gati Shakti Portal, with progress monitored for physical and financial targets," the government said.

The best-performing districts will be awarded, and innovative schemes such as tribal home stays and the setting up of 100 Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMC) will be introduced to promote tourism and market products made by these communities.

The programme also plans to improve the infrastructure of government-run schools and hostels in tribal areas and advance the facilities for diagnosing sickle cell disease in states where it is prevalent, the government said.