Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA): Empowering India’s Tribal Heartlands

Subhasis Das

September 26, 2024, 14:47:13   

The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA), to be ceremonially launched on the 2^nd October, 2024, is one of the most ambitious programs initiated by the Government of India to elevate the socio-economic conditions of its tribal population. This flagship scheme aims to transform tribal-majority villages across the nation, focusing on holistic development, including infrastructure, economic empowerment, education, healthcare, and preservation of tribal culture. With a total outlay of ₹79,156 crore, PMJUGA seeks to cover over 63,843 villages across 30 states and union territories (UTs), benefiting more than five crore tribal people. The scheme's extensive coverage ensures that nearly every tribal-majority village in the country receives focused development assistance through an array of targeted interventions implemented by 17-line ministries.The scheme will be implemented over five years (2024-2029), addressing a wide spectrum of needs, ranging from housing and healthcare to education and livelihood support. It aims to create self-sustaining communities through a saturation approach, ensuring that every eligible tribal household receives the desired benefits, marking a shift from the traditional selective models of welfare distribution.

 The Historical and Socio-Economic Context of Tribal Development in India

India is home to more than 705 Scheduled Tribes (STs), accounting for approximately 10.45 crore people, or 8.6% of the population, as per the 2011 Census. These communities, concentrated in remote and geographically challenging areas, have historically been marginalized in terms of access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. The need for a comprehensive policy like PMJUGA stems from the realization that despite decades of targeted programs, large sections of the tribal population still face challenges with basic amenities and livelihood opportunities.

While earlier initiatives such as the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana were significant in addressing specific challenges like entrepreneurship and forest-based livelihoods, they often lacked the converged approach needed for holistic tribal upliftment. PMJUGA is designed to bridge this gap by bringing together different schemes under one umbrella, ensuring saturation coverage, and directly addressing the root causes of socio-economic marginalization.

The PMJUGA initiative builds on the success of earlier government efforts like the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan and aligns with broader government schemes such as PM Gati Shakti, ensuring that development is monitored and delivered efficiently.

 Key Pillars of PMJUGA

1. Infrastructure Development:

          Infrastructure in tribal areas has long been inadequate, with poor road connectivity, lack of reliable water supply, and insufficient energy access. PMJUGA focuses on constructing pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin), ensuring permanent, safe, and dignified homes for tribal families. The scheme also emphasizes the construction of all-weather roads through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to improve access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. Further, every household will have access to clean drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission and reliable electricity through the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, which also incorporates off-grid solar power solutions to promote clean energy.

2. Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods:

          Economic empowerment is central to the PMJUGA framework. The program seeks to bolster tribal livelihoods by promoting entrepreneurship through skill development initiatives under the Skill India Mission. Tribal artisans and farmers will have access to Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMC), which will help them market their products more effectively, reduce post-harvest losses, and retain more value from their goods. Further, self-help groups (SHGs) will receive support under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), ensuring that tribal women and marginalized families can become economically self-reliant. The creation of tribal homestays under the Swadesh Darshan scheme also opens new avenues in eco-tourism, allowing tribal communities to tap into local tourism potentials.

3. Health and Nutrition:

          Health outcomes in tribal areas have traditionally lagged behind the national average. PMJUGA takes a multi-pronged approach to address healthcare challenges, including the deployment of Mobile Medical Units in remote areas through the National Health Mission (NHM) and providing free health insurance coverage through Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Furthermore, nutrition is a critical concern, particularly for children. PMJUGA will establish Anganwadi Centers under the Poshan Abhiyan, aimed at reducing malnutrition and promoting early childhood development. Poshan Vatika (nutrition gardens) will be promoted to supplement local diets with nutritious food and raise awareness about the importance of balanced nutrition.

4. Education:

          Education is pivotal to breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring long-term empowerment. PMJUGA will expand the network of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), offering quality education to tribal children from Class VI to XII. The scheme also integrates infrastructure development for hostels under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, ensuring that students in remote areas can access educational institutions without barriers. Moreover, the scheme encourages skill development and higher education opportunities, providing tribal youth with the tools they need to succeed in competitive exams and modern job markets.

5. Digital and Technological Inclusion:

          Bridging the digital divide is essential for modern development, and PMJUGA aims to expand digital infrastructure in tribal regions through the Bharat Net project. Improved connectivity will facilitate e-governance, telemedicine, online education, and access to information for tribal communities. Digital literacy initiatives will also be rolled out to empower tribal youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.

6. Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods:

          Recognizing the importance of sustainable farming practices, PMJUGA integrates agricultural support through schemes like the National Livestock Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. These initiatives provide tribal farmers and fishermen with access to better resources, tools, and training, enabling them to enhance productivity and adopt sustainable practices. Livestock rearing and fisheries will be supported with modern techniques, helping improve income for tribal families dependent on these activities.

 Implementation in Tripura:

Tripura, which has a significant tribal population spread across eight districts, will see 392 tribal-majority villages across 52 blocks being covered under the scheme. These interventions are expected to benefit approximately 8.5 lakh tribal people in Tripura. The Tribal Welfare Department of Tripura, which has been proactive in addressing the challenges faced by the indigenous communities, is leading the implementation of PMJUGA in the state.

Tripura’s tribal regions have historically struggled with underdevelopment, particularly in terms of infrastructure, education, and healthcare. However, the launch of PMJUGA promises to be a turning point, ushering in transformative changes. Several initiatives are being rolled out to address these challenges:

Infrastructure Development: Under PMJUGA, there will be extensive construction of pucca houses through PMAY-Gramin and development of all-weather roads to connect remote tribal villages. This is crucial in a state like Tripura, where difficult terrain and lack of connectivity have long hindered development.

Healthcare and Nutrition: The Ayushman Bharat Health Cards will be distributed across Tripura’s tribal regions, ensuring that families have access to free medical treatment. Mobile Medical Units will also be deployed to remote villages, providing essential healthcare services to communities that otherwise have limited access to doctors and hospitals. Further, Anganwadi Centers will be established to promote early childhood development and combat malnutrition.

Education: In terms of education, the expansion of hostel facilities under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan will ensure that more tribal children, especially those from remote regions, can access schools and pursue quality education. Additionally, scholarships and stipends for tribal students will further encourage enrollment and retention in schools.

The Tribal Welfare Department of Tripura will be playing a key role in identifying critical gaps in development and working with the central government to ensure that PMJUGA’s objectives are fully realized in the state. A high-level meeting held on 22nd September 2024 involved officials from various departments, including the District Magistrates (DMs) and Collectors from all eight districts of Tripura, who are tasked with executing the program in a coordinated and time-bound manner. This collaboration aims to address critical sectors and ensure comprehensive development in tribal areas.

 Monitoring, Accountability, and Community Participation

One of the major innovations of PMJUGA is its robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms. The PM Gati Shakti portal will track both physical and financial progress, ensuring that implementation is on track and identifying any bottlenecks or challenges. The scheme also emphasizes community participation, encouraging tribal leaders and local governance bodies to play an active role in planning and executing the interventions.

Best-performing districts and blocks will be rewarded, incentivizing local authorities to ensure that the scheme is implemented efficiently, and benefits are delivered promptly. Moreover, Grievance Redressal Mechanisms will be put in place to address any complaints or issues faced by beneficiaries, ensuring transparency and accountability at every level.

 Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the PMJUGA is an ambitious and comprehensive scheme, its success will depend on several factors. One of the primary challenges will be the geographical and logistical difficulties of reaching remote and hard-to-access tribal villages. Further, while the scheme's comprehensive approach is a strength, it also presents a challenge in terms of coordination across multiple ministries and departments. Ensuring that all stakeholders work together efficiently and that there is no duplication of efforts will be critical to the success of the program.

The Path to Sustainable Tribal Empowerment

The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan is not just a scheme but a vision for the future of India's tribal communities. By focusing on holistic development and using a saturation approach, the program ensures that tribal areas are not left behind in India’s development trajectory. The scheme’s success will largely depend on how effectively it is implemented and monitored, but its potential impact is undeniable.

   (Tripurainfo)