Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan

The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) aimed at enhancing the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities across India.

Key Facts About PMJUGA

Overview:

Objective: PMJUGA is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to improve the welfare of tribal families residing in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts.

Coverage:

1. Target Areas: The initiative will cover 549 districts and 2,740 blocks across 30 states and union territories.
2. Beneficiaries: It aims to reach around 63,000 villages, benefiting over 5 crore tribal people. As per the 2011 Census, India has a Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of approximately 10.42 crore (8.6% of the total population).

Goals of the Mission:

The initiative includes 25 specific interventions to be implemented by 17 ministries through funds allocated under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) over the next five years.

Key Components of PMJUGA

1. Developing Enabling Infrastructure:
   1. Housing and Utilities: Eligible ST households will gain access to pucca housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and services such as tapped water and electricity (Jal Jeevan Mission).
   2. Health Access: Inclusion of Ayushman Bharat Card (PMJAY) for eligible households.
2. Improving Village Infrastructure:
   1. Connectivity: All-weather Road access to ST-majority villages through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
   2. Digital Access: Efforts to improve mobile and internet connectivity (Bharat Net) and enhance infrastructure for health, nutrition, and education (National Health Mission, Samagra Shiksha, and Poshan Abhiyan).
3. Economic Empowerment: Skill Development and Livelihood: Focus on training and entrepreneurship through the Skill India Mission and support for agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishery sectors for Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders.
4. Universal Access to Quality Education: Enrollment and Infrastructure: Initiatives to increase Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) and provide quality education to ST students, including the establishment of tribal hostels at district/block levels.
5. Health Improvement: Health Standards: Aiming to meet national standards in infant mortality rate (IMR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR) through mobile medical units in remote areas.
6. Mapping and Monitoring: Data Tracking: The PM Gati Shakti Portal will map tribal villages, identify gaps, and reward the best-performing districts.

Innovative Schemes to Promote Livelihood Among Tribals

1. Tribal Home Stay Initiative: To promote tourism and provide alternative livelihoods, 1,000 homestays will be developed under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, with funding allocated for building and renovating facilities.
2. Sustainable Livelihood for Forest Rights Holders: Focus on empowering 22 lakh FRA patta holders by expediting the recognition of forest rights and providing sustainable livelihoods through various government schemes.
3. Infrastructure Improvement in Schools: Enhancement of tribal residential schools and hostels to promote educational resources and improve student retention.
4. Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosis: Establishing Centres of Competence (CoC) at premier institutes for advanced diagnosis and prenatal screening of Sickle Cell Disease, particularly in affected states.
5. Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs): Setting up 100 TMMCs to improve marketing infrastructure and promote tribal products through better branding and transportation.

Need for PMJUGA

1. Poverty Alleviation: A significant percentage of tribal populations live below the poverty line (45.3% in rural areas, 24.1% in urban areas). PMJUGA aims to open skilling centers to generate employment and reduce poverty.
2. Land Rights and Displacement: Many tribal communities face displacement due to development projects. PMJUGA will issue 22 lakh FRA pattas to recognize land rights and secure tenure.
3. Low Literacy Rates: The literacy rate among Scheduled Tribes is significantly lower (59%) than the national average (73%). Initiatives like constructing 1,000 hostels aim to provide affordable education.
4. Health Issues: High rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight children in tribal areas necessitate improved healthcare services, which will be supported by mobile medical units.
5. Cultural Preservation: Many tribal communities are facing cultural erosion. The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana will help create model villages while preserving their cultural identities.
6. Awareness of Government Schemes: Many tribal individuals are unaware of available government benefits. The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology will enhance awareness through Digital India initiatives.

Other Government Initiatives for Scheduled Tribes

1. PM-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)
2. TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India)
3. Digital Transformation of Tribal Schools
4. Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
5. Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana
6. Eklavya Model Residential Schools

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) aims to uplift tribal communities through sustainable development initiatives that enhance infrastructure, livelihoods, and access to essential services. By focusing on skill development and self-sufficiency, it seeks to improve education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, thereby bridging the development gap and empowering tribal voices in India.

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