The Indian Government has taken a significant initiative for the wellbeing of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The government, through the Centre, has initiated a broad survey and registration process to identify and register beneficiaries eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). The focus of this initiative is on 75 PVTGs across 18 states and Union Territories.
The Ministry of Rural Development is utilizing an online application known as Aawas+ app to effectively identify the beneficiaries for the rural housing scheme. According to the plan, 4.9 lakh houses are set to be constructed for PVTGs under the scheme Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN).
Introduction to Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN)
PM JANMAN is a comprehensive scheme led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The main objective of this scheme is to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream. The initiative is a collaboration between the government, states, and PVTG communities, which focuses on 11 key interventions in various sectors such as healthcare, education, housing, and livelihood opportunities.
Nine line Ministries oversee the scheme, ensuring the proper implementation of existing schemes in villages inhabited by PVTGs. The initiative was officially announced by the Prime Minister on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2023.
Overview of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G)
Launched on April 1, 2016, by the Ministry of Rural Development, PMAY-G is a flagship program of the Central Government. The main goal of the scheme is to provide affordable housing to the rural poor, which includes basic amenities and hygienic kitchens for people living in dilapidated and kutcha houses.
The beneficiaries of this scheme are mainly people belonging to SCs/STs, PVTGs, freed bonded labourers, and non-SC/ST categories. Moreover, it also includes widows or next-of-kin of defense personnel killed in action, ex-servicemen, retired members of the paramilitary forces, disabled persons, and minorities.
Cost and Features of PMAY-G Scheme
The cost of unit assistance under PMAY-G is shared between the Central and State Governments. In plain areas, it is shared in a ratio of 60:40, and for North Eastern and hilly states, it is 90:10. The unit cost for PMAY-G houses in PVTGs has been increased to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1.2 lakh in plain areas and Rs 1.30 lakh in hilly areas. Beneficiaries of PMAY-G can avail additional financial assistance for toilet construction and work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), bringing the total benefit to Rs 2.39 lakh.
Details about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India
India is home to 75 PVTGs, out of which 13 are in Odisha and 12 in Andhra Pradesh.
Other Initiatives for PVTGs
Various other initiatives have been introduced for PVTGs, such as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, and PM PVTG Mission.
Lastly, UPSC Civil Services Examination includes questions about PVTGs and related initiatives. Previous year question papers include questions about the criteria for determining PVTG status, the number of PVTGs officially notified in India, and which tribes are part of this list.
