PM-JANMAN Scheme: A Step Towards Tribal Empowerment

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE

Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has expedited the approval process for housing projects under the PM-JANMAN initiative, benefiting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across India.

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan

Launch Date: Introduced on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary) on November 15, 2023, in Jharkhand.

Objective: The scheme seeks to achieve 100% coverage of basic facilities such as housing, clean water supply, and road connectivity in PVTG habitations within three years.

Understanding PVTGs

• PVTGs are considered the most disadvantaged among Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Out of 705 recognized ST communities, 75 are classified as PVTGs, spread across 18 states and 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
• As per the 2011 Census, their total population is approximately 27.6 lakh.

Implementation Strategy

• The initiative is spearheaded by 9 ministries, with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs serving as the nodal agency.
• A key focus is on increasing awareness about various government schemes designed for tribal welfare.

Key Focus Areas: 11 Basic Amenities for PVTGs

1. Housing:
   • Aims to construct 4.90 lakh homes under PM-AWAS for PVTG families.
   • Each district must upload detailed information (location, village code, beneficiary count) on the PM-GatiShakti portal for monitoring.
   • The scheme is overseen by line ministries and supervised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Historical Context

• Debar Commission (1961): Introduced the term “Primitive Tribal Groups” (now PVTGs) to distinguish tribal communities facing extreme socio-economic marginalization and limited access to development.

Through PM-JANMAN, the government aims to bridge historical disparities and ensure holistic development of India’s most vulnerable tribal communities.