The announcement to empower the tribals for their holistic development comes as part of the JanJaatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations, emphasising the government’s commitment to the welfare of tribal communities. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, unveiled in the 2023-24 budget, is designed to address and improve the socio-economic conditions of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups across the country.
This mission is poised to usher in a new era of comprehensive development for PVTGs, focusing on their upliftment and empowerment. The substantial budget allocation underscores the significance attached to the initiative, signalling the government’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth and social justice for the tribal communities.
There are 75 PVTGs in 18 States & UTs living in 22,544 villages (220 districts) with a population of around 28 lakhs.
These tribes stay in scattered, remote and inaccessible habitations, often in forest areas and hence a mission is planned to saturate PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities such as road and telecom connectivity, electricity, safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The mission will be implemented through the convergence of 11 interventions from nine Ministries. For instance, under PMGSY, PMGAY, Jal Jeevan Mission etc. Some scheme norms will be relaxed to cover these remote habitations.
In addition, separately, saturation will be ensured for PMJAY, Sickle Cell Disease Elimination, TB Elimination, 100 per cent immunisation, PM Surakshit Matritva Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Poshan, PM Jan Dhan Yojana etc.
