The Union Government has outlined the implementation and monitoring framework of major tribal welfare schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana. The focus is on education, health, housing, drinking water, livelihoods and infrastructure in tribal-dominated regions, including Ratlam, Jhabua and Alirajpur in Madhya Pradesh. The measures combine targeted schemes, digital monitoring and inter-ministerial coordination to improve delivery for Scheduled Tribes and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
Launched on 2 October 2024, this mission seeks to bridge infrastructure gaps in 63,843 villages across 30 States and Union Territories. It covers 549 districts and 2,911 blocks and is expected to benefit more than 5 crore tribals over five years.
- It includes 25 interventions implemented by 17 line ministries.
- It aims to improve access to health, education and Anganwadi facilities.
- It also seeks to expand livelihood opportunities.
- The total outlay is Rs.79,156 crore, with Central and State shares.
PM JANMAN for PVTG Development
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan was launched on 15 November 2023 for the socio-economic development of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group communities in 18 States and one Union Territory.
- The mission covers safe housing, drinking water and education support.
- It also targets health, nutrition, road and telecom connectivity.
- Household electrification and sustainable livelihoods are key goals.
- The mission is being implemented through 11 interventions by 9 ministries.
Scholarships for ST Students
The Pre-Matric Scholarship supports Scheduled Tribe students in Classes IX and X. The parental income ceiling is Rs.2.50 lakh per annum. The monthly scholarship is Rs.225 for day scholars and Rs.525 for hostellers for 10 months in a year. The Post Matric Scholarship supports ST students at post-matric and post-secondary levels. It reimburses compulsory fees and provides monthly assistance from Rs.230 to Rs.1,200, depending on the course. Both schemes are implemented by States and Union Territories with cost-sharing patterns varying by region.
Monitoring and DAPST Framework
The Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes is the main mechanism for tracking ST-related spending across 41 ministries and departments. An online monitoring system integrated with PFMS is used to track allocation and utilisation.
- Funds for tribal welfare are placed under Minor Head 796 to prevent diversion.
- State Tribal Sub Plan funds are earmarked in proportion to the ST population.
- PM GatiShakti dashboards and GIS-based tools support monitoring of PM JANMAN.
- IEC campaigns and document support drives help improve beneficiary outreach.