MAY 27: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, reaffirmed his ministry’s unwavering commitment to bridge developmental gaps among India’s tribal communities. Speaking to the media at his official residence, he underscored that “not a single stone would be left unturned” to ensure holistic progress for the nation’s diverse tribal population.
In line with this commitment, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, from November 15, 2024, to November 15, 2025. This year-long celebration includes national and state-level events facilitated through Tribal Research Institutes, honoring tribal contributions to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
A flagship initiative under the ministry is PM-JANMAN, aimed at the comprehensive development of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 states and one union territory. With a budgetary allocation of ₹24,104 crore, PM-JANMAN focuses on improving access to safe housing, clean water, education, healthcare, nutrition, electricity, road connectivity, and sustainable livelihoods within three years.
Building on this momentum, the ministry launched the multi-sectoral Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan on October 2, 2024, in Jharkhand. This ambitious program integrates schemes from 17 ministries with a ₹79,156 crore investment over five years, targeting nearly 5 crore tribal people across 63,843 villages in 26 states and 4 UTs. It addresses critical infrastructural and human development gaps using data-driven targeting of aspirational districts and blocks.
Education remains a top priority, with the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) implementing transformative measures in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The ministry supports around 30 lakh tribal students annually through five scholarship schemes, including a tripling of financial allocations and increased fellowships for higher education.
Highlighting healthcare, Shri Oram mentioned the ongoing Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched in 2023, which has screened over 5 crore individuals. Under Dharti Aaba, 15 Centres of Competence have been sanctioned to enhance tribal healthcare services.
The ministry also emphasized the success of the PMAAGY scheme, transforming tribal villages through focused infrastructure improvements in sectors like education, healthcare, sanitation, and connectivity.
With these integrated efforts and significant financial outlays, the Tribal Affairs Ministry under Shri Jual Oram is driving a transformative agenda to uplift tribal communities, ensuring their socio-economic empowerment and sustainable development across the country.