Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy:  INDIAN EXPRESS

Context:

The Union Government launched a mega outreach to promote tribal welfare schemes PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba across 500+ districts.

About PM-JANMAN

The government launched Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) in 2023 to focus on the most marginalized tribal communities.

Core Objective => To improve the socio-economic conditions of people belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The scheme addresses the unique challenges these communities face, such as geographic isolation and lack of access to basic amenities.

Target Beneficiaries => The scheme specifically targets the 75 PVTG communities identified across 18 states and one Union Territory. These groups are characterized by declining or stagnant populations, low literacy levels, and pre-agricultural technology.

Focus Areas => PM-JANMAN concentrates on 11 critical interventions through the coordination of nine ministries. Key areas include:

• Housing => Providing pucca houses for households.
• Basic Amenities => Ensuring tap water connections, electrifying unelectrified households, and providing off-grid solar power solutions where necessary.
• Infrastructure => Constructing all-weather roads to connect remote habitations.
• Healthcare and Livelihood => Deploying Mobile Medical Units and establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for sustainable livelihoods.
• Documentation => Providing essential documents like Aadhaar cards and Ayushman Bharat cards.

The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹24,000 crore, with the central government's share being ₹15,336 crore. It is being implemented over a three-year period, from 2023-24 to 2025-26.

About Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA)

Launched in 2024, this scheme acts as a broader, umbrella program for comprehensive tribal development. It is named in honor of the revered tribal leader Birsa Munda, known as "Dharti Aaba" or Father of the Earth.

Core Objective => To achieve the holistic development of tribal villages by saturating them with essential facilities and services. It aims to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood opportunities.

This initiative is more extensive than PM-JANMAN, covering over 63,000 tribal-majority villages across 549 districts. It benefits a larger population of more than 5 crore tribal citizens.

Key Features => The scheme focuses on 25 targeted interventions through the convergence of 17 different Union Ministries. This "whole-of-government" approach includes:

• Infrastructure => Building hostels, improving rural electrification, and constructing homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
• Livelihood => Providing support for livestock and fisheries.
• Connectivity => Enhancing road and telecommunication connectivity in tribal areas.
• Tourism => A unique component involves providing up to ₹5 lakh for tribal households to build or convert their homes into tourist homestays under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

The scheme has a total budget of ₹79,156 crore to be spent over five years. The central government will contribute ₹56,333 crore, and the states will provide ₹22,823 crore.

Mega Outreach Campaign and Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh

To ensure the success of the PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba schemes, the government has launched a massive outreach campaign.

A fortnight-long campaign, which started on June 15, 2025, aims to achieve 100% awareness and delivery of benefits under both schemes. This "benefit saturation" drive focuses on doorstep delivery of services, including providing Aadhaar cards, Ayushman Bharat cards, and opening Jan Dhan accounts.

The outreach campaign is a part of the year-long "Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh" (Tribal Pride Year), which started on November 15, 2024, marking the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. The goal is to achieve complete saturation of benefits by Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15, 2025, ensuring no tribal household is left behind. 

 Must Read Articles: 

PM JANMAN to Aid Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

Source: 

INDIAN EXPRESS