Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to launch a groundbreaking Rs 24,000-crore initiative dedicated to the comprehensive development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) on the occasion of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ in Jharkhand. The initiative, announced during the 2023-24 budget, aims to implement 11 interventions across nine ministries for the benefit of 75 PVTGs.
This strategic move comes ahead of the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, states with substantial tribal populations. The 2011 Census reports the Scheduled Tribe (ST) proportion in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh at 21.1% and 30.6%, respectively.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the more susceptible segments within tribal communities, characterized by distinctive cultures, geographical isolation, and a tendency to avoid contact with other communities. The initiative aims to saturate remote and inaccessible habitations of PVTGs with essential facilities such as roads, telecom connectivity, electricity, safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, improved access to education, health, nutrition, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Covering 22,544 villages across 18 states and Union Territories, the 75 PVTGs, totaling approximately 28 lakh individuals, will benefit from relaxed norms in specific schemes to address the challenges of these remote habitations.
In addition to the 11 interventions, the initiative includes the saturation of other government schemes, such as the PMJAY health insurance scheme, the Sickle Cell Disease Elimination program, TB Elimination program, 100% childhood immunization, PM Surakshit Matrutva (free antenatal care), PM Matru Vandana Yojana (cash benefit to mothers), PM Poshan, and PM Jan Dhan Yojana.
The government’s emphasis on tribal welfare coincides with the ruling BJP’s efforts to appeal to tribal voters in the upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. In 2018, the BJP faced setbacks in tribal-dominated areas of these states. With elections ongoing, the government’s initiative aims to address the unique needs of PVTGs, signaling a commitment to tribal welfare and development.
