PM-JANMAN Scheme

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has recently highlighted the Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) Scheme, aimed at uplifting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by addressing their socio-economic challenges and improving essential infrastructure.

The PM-JANMAN scheme is a comprehensive initiative designed to bring PVTG communities into the mainstream by ensuring access to fundamental services such as housing, clean water, healthcare, education, and sustainable livelihoods. Implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with state governments and local stakeholders, the scheme seeks to enhance the quality of life for PVTGs by integrating multiple development programs under a targeted intervention framework.

• The PM-JANMAN scheme integrates Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes to uplift PVTGs through targeted interventions.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with state governments and local PVTG communities.
• The scheme focuses on 11 critical interventions across 9 line ministries, ensuring effective implementation of existing government schemes in PVTG-inhabited villages.
• It covers multiple sectors, including:
  • Access to clean drinking water, improved healthcare, quality education, and nutrition programs.
  • Road and telecommunication connectivity in remote tribal areas to improve accessibility.
  • Sustainable livelihood opportunities, including support for forest-based economies.
  • Establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras to promote forest produce trade.
  • Deployment of off-grid solar power systems for 1 lakh households and installation of solar street lights in PVTG villages.
  • Safe housing under the PM-AWAS Yojana.

• The PM-JANMAN portal is being developed to monitor the real-time progress of the scheme, ensuring transparency and accountability in its implementation.

• The Dhebar Commission (1973) introduced the category Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) to identify tribes with a declining population, pre-agrarian technology, economic backwardness, and low literacy.
• In 2006, the Government of India renamed PTGs as PVTGs.
• PVTGs mostly reside in remote and inaccessible areas with poor infrastructure and limited administrative support.
• There are 75 PVTG communities across 18 states and 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Read more about the Constitutional & Legal Safeguards for the Tribal in India

Addresses multi-dimensional challenges

• The PM-JANMAN scheme tackles intersecting issues of discrimination, poverty, and exclusion faced by PVTGs.
• The PM-JANMAN PVTG scheme ensures that basic services reach even the most remote PVTG communities, preventing their further marginalization.

Recognizes indigenous contributions

• Acknowledges the cultural and ecological knowledge of PVTGs, promoting their integration without assimilation.
• Encourages preservation of traditional livelihoods, such as forest produce collection and tribal handicrafts.

Empowers remote tribal communities

• Provides basic infrastructure and services to remote and inaccessible PVTG settlements.
• The PM-JANMAN portal will help track infrastructure development progress in real time.

Boosts economic self-sufficiency

• Enhances livelihood options through agriculture, non-timber forest products, and skill-based employment.
• Strengthens forest-based economies, ensuring sustainable income sources for PVTGs.

Aligns with global commitments

• The PM-JANMAN PVTG scheme aligns with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring inclusive growth.
• It reinforces India’s commitment to tribal welfare under various international human rights frameworks.

Lack of Updated Data

• The last comprehensive census on PVTGs was conducted in 2001, reporting 27.6 lakh individuals.
• The 2022 Parliamentary Standing Committee report relied on 2011 Census data, which excluded PVTG populations from Maharashtra, Manipur, and Rajasthan.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has initiated baseline surveys, but an accurate current dataset is still unavailable.

Absence of a Dedicated Census

• The National Advisory Council (2013) recommended a specific Census for PVTGs, but it has not been implemented.
• The lack of a targeted census hampers data collection on education, health, and housing needs.
• Without updated data, effective policymaking and resource allocation remain a challenge.

Diverse and Complex Needs of PVTGs

• PVTGs across different states have varied socio-economic conditions, requiring region-specific policy approaches.
• A one-size-fits-all approach may not effectively address the unique challenges faced by each community.

Social Discrimination and Exclusion

• PVTGs face stigma in mainstream society, impacting education, employment, and access to welfare schemes.
• The PM-JANMAN PVTG scheme must focus on awareness programs to promote social integration and reduce discrimination.

Coordination and Convergence Issues

• The scheme requires collaboration across multiple ministries, making coordination complex.
• The PM-JANMAN portal will be essential in tracking inter-ministerial coordination and fund utilization.

• Standardized Data Collection for Accuracy: Implement a uniform methodology with digital tools and real-time monitoring to ensure accurate identification of beneficiaries and eliminate data discrepancies.

• Optimized Processes for Efficiency: Use digital solutions like GIS mapping and mobile data collection to streamline processes, reduce delays, and ensure faster scheme implementation without compromising quality.

• Community Participation for Inclusivity: Engage tribal communities through Gram Sabhas and advisory groups, enabling participatory governance and community-led monitoring for better scheme execution.

• Infrastructure Development in Tribal Regions: Invest in roads, mobile connectivity, and digital infrastructure to facilitate smooth data collection, service delivery, and improved government outreach in remote areas.

• Adaptive Strategies for Mobile Tribal Populations: Develop flexible systems like mobile benefit units and periodic verification to ensure continued access to entitlements for migrating tribal groups.

• Capacity Building for Stakeholders: Conduct training programs for field officials and local representatives to enhance their efficiency in data collection, digital tools usage, and culturally sensitive implementation.

The PM-JANMAN scheme aims to empower PVTGs by providing basic infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and social inclusion. Its success depends on effective implementation, updated data collection, and community participation. The PM-JANMAN portal will track progress, while the scheme must address socio-economic disparities among PVTGs.

What is PVTG?

• They are a sub-category of Scheduled Tribes (STs), considered to be most vulnerable & marginalized tribal communities.
• They are identified by the Government of India.
• They are characterized by:
  • Pre-agricultural level of technology.
  • Low literacy rates.
  • Stagnant or declining population.
  • Economic backwardness.

How many PVTGs are there in India?

• There are 75 PVTGs in India.
• They are spread across 18 states & 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Which is the largest tribe of India?

• Gond is the largest tribe of India with a population of 1.2 crore (2011 census).
• They are concentrated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana & Jharkhand.

What is the PESA Act for Tribes?

• PESA Act refers to the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
• It empowers tribal communities by recognizing their customary rights & self-governance in Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

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