The Prime Minister recently launched three main initiatives during the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on the 15th of November. With an aim to secure last-mile welfare scheme delivery and protection for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), these initiatives include the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’, Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Development Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas Explained
Celebrated annually on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is a tribute to tribals for their contribution in preserving cultural heritage and promoting Indian values of national pride, valor, and hospitality. Throughout history, various tribal communities, such as Tamars, Santhals, Khasis, Bhils, Mizos, and Kols, have sparked significant tribal movements against British colonial rule across India.
The Key Initiatives Revealed
The PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) is designed to protect and nurture tribal groups, particularly those nearing extinction. This initiative will provide necessary support, development, and connectivity to mainstream services and opportunities, covering 75 PVTGs residing in 18 states and union territories, spread across 22,544 villages in 220 districts. It emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between tribal populations and essential services while ensuring their socio-economic empowerment.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, on the other hand, focuses on reaching out to people and raising awareness about various welfare schemes like sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, LPG cylinder access, housing for the poor, food security, proper nutrition, reliable healthcare, and clean drinking water.
The third initiative, the PM PVTG Mission, aims to enhance the socio-economic status of Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by providing basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, education, health, and nutrition, better access to roads in settlements for backward scheduled tribes.
Other Government Initiatives Related to Tribals
Alongside these three main initiatives, other government efforts related to tribal communities include TRIFED Digital Transformation of Tribal Schools, Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Past Questions on Tribes and PVTGs
In previous examinations, questions related to tribal groups and their status have been frequently included. For instance, in 2013, a question was asked about matching certain tribes with the state they belong to. Another question in 2019 asked about the criteria to determine PVTG status in India and asked for correct statements about PVTGs.
Overall, these initiatives taken by the Prime Minister aim to develop, protect, and preserve the interests of the tribal communities in India. Furthermore, they underline the national commitment towards integrating these communities into the mainstream development process.
