Centre Considers Extending Tribal Welfare Scheme to 2027 Amidst Delays and Unspent Funds

The central government is considering extending its flagship program, the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), by a year until March 2027. This extension is being contemplated due to incomplete works and unspent funds, despite the scheme's initial deadline of March 2026.

Launched in November 2023, PM-JANMAN aims to provide basic amenities to 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These amenities include housing, safe drinking water, electricity, and road connectivity. The scheme requires the convergence of 11 targeted programs across nine ministries.

According to a recent review, road construction projects have not been completed, necessitating the extension. The scheme, with an outlay of ₹24,000 crore, is intended to saturate PVTG habitations with ten basic facilities, encompassing safe housing, sanitation, healthcare, education, roads, mobile connectivity, and electricity.

In addition to the delays in road construction, the central government faces challenges related to unspent funds. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reportedly could not spend approximately ₹500 crore due to a lack of suitable interventions. The Tribal Affairs Ministry has proposed that these unspent funds be transferred to them for targeted schemes tailored for PVTGs, rather than allowing the funds to lapse. A senior official mentioned that the analysis of the scheme revealed that solar panels may not be conducive to the traditional tribal way of living in certain habitations and that the ministry has proposed certain interventions to ensure the funds are utilized.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the nodal ministry for the scheme's implementation, has proposed establishing a tribal health observatory. The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) also aims to improve infrastructure in villages with significant tribal populations. Under this scheme, villages with a minimum 50% tribal population and 500 Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been identified to receive essential infrastructure.

Several other initiatives are in place to support tribal welfare and development in India. These include:

• Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes: These scholarships aim to reduce dropout rates and promote education among tribal students.
• National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students: Provides opportunities for higher education abroad.
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Development Program: A dedicated scheme implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs through State Governments and UT Administrations, covering all 75 PVTGs.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Provides quality education to tribal students.
• National Fellowship for ST Students: Supports higher education pursuits.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs was established in 1999 to focus on the integrated socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs). The ministry's programs and schemes support and supplement efforts by other Central Ministries and State Governments, addressing critical gaps in institutions and programs through financial assistance. The Ministry implements schemes related to economic, educational, and social development through State Governments and UT Administrations.

The government is implementing the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) as a strategy for the development of Scheduled Tribes and areas with tribal concentration. 41 Ministries and Departments allocate a percentage of their budget for tribal development projects, including education, health, agriculture, and skill development.

The potential extension of PM-JANMAN reflects the government's commitment to addressing the needs of PVTGs and ensuring the effective implementation of tribal welfare programs. The focus remains on bridging gaps in basic amenities and promoting the overall development of tribal communities across the country.