Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) scheme from the Khunti District of Jharkhand on November 15, 2023, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has immediately initiated an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for PM-JANMAN. The IEC initiative would ensure coverage of every PVTG household which has remained out of reach due to distance, lack of road and digital connectivity, and would provide facilities at their doorsteps.

On November 29, 2023, the PM-JANMAN scheme was approved by the Union cabinet. The main objective of the PM-JANMAN scheme has been to improve socio-economic conditions of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) households and their habitations by providing them with basic facilities and services. The facilities under the scheme includes safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

About the Scheme

The PM-JANMAN initiative is led by nine ministries with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as nodal ministry, encompasses 11 critical interventions aimed at holistic development. It includes provisions for constructing 4.90 lakh pucca houses at Rs 2.39 lakhs each, building 8,000 km of roads at Rs 1.00 cr/km, ensuring water supply to all PVTG habitations, setting up 1,000 MMUs costing Rs 33.88 lakh each, constructing 500 hostels at Rs 2.75 cr/hostel, establishing vocational education centres in 60 PVTG blocks with Rs 50 lakh/block, constructing 2,500 Anganwadi centres at Rs 12 lakh each, building 1,000 Multipurpose Centres at Rs 60 lakh each, providing last-mile connectivity to 57,000 households (HH) at Rs 22,500/HH, offering 0.3 kW solar off-grid systems to 1,00,000 households at Rs 50,000/HH, installing 1,500 solar lighting units at Rs 1,00,000 each, establishing 500 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) at Rs 15 lakhs per centre, and installing mobile towers in 3,000 villages as per schematic norms. Furthermore, according to the Tribal Affairs Ministry, the Tribal Research Institutes in different states have been assigned the responsibility of supporting the district, block, and village levels of these programmes’ planning and implementation.

The total budgetary outlay for PM-JANMAN scheme approved by the centre is Rs 24,104 crore. The central government share would be Rs 15,336 crore, while the state governments share would be Rs 8,768 crore from financial year 2023–24 to 2025–26 under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST). Furthermore, programmes like PM Poshan, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, 100 per cent immunisation, sickle cell disease elimination, TB elimination, PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), etc., would also be ensured saturation.

On January 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first instalment of 540 crore to one lakh beneficiaries of the rural housing scheme, under the PM-JANMAN scheme. India’s first tribal woman President, Droupadi Murmu, has also provided her guidance for the scheme.

During the campaign period, Aadhar card, Community certificate, and Jan Dhan accounts would be provided to PVTG households. These are the basic requirements for other schemes such as issue of Ayushman card, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan credit card, etc. These events would be organised in venues, such as Haat Bazar, gram panchayat, common services centre (CSC), multipurpose centres (MPC), Anganwadi, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras, etc.

The primary scope of the PM-JANMAN scheme is overall enhancement of the living conditions of PVTG households by providing them access to essential amenities and services, including safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, education, health care and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Objectives of the Scheme

The PM-JANMAN scheme introduces a pioneering approach to empower PVTGs by addressing key challenges and ensuring their active participation.

It focuses on five main pillars:

• Proper identification and recognition It addresses the longstanding issue of outdated criteria for identifying PVTGs. It acknowledges that some PVTGs are not recognised as scheduled tribes in certain states and aims to rectify this discrepancy. By creating a human development index specifically for PVTGs, the scheme ensures a more accurate understanding of their vulnerabilities and needs.
• lParticipatory bottom-up approach Unlike traditional top-down approaches, the scheme adopts a participatory approach that prioritises the voices and priorities of PVTGs themselves. Customised strategies are developed to address their unique needs, with active involvement from the communities in decision-making processes. This approach respects their cultural practices and ensures their participation in all stages of development projects.
• Livelihood promotion The scheme focuses on promoting sustainable livelihoods among PVTGs by providing skills training, resources, and securing land rights through the implementation of the Forest Rights Act. By encouraging traditional technologies and skill enhancement, PM-JANMAN aims to preserve cultural heritage while fostering economic development.
• Health, nutrition, and education It emphasises the importance of tailored health care strategies for addressing the specific health issues faced by PVTGs. It advocates for incorporating their culture and language into the education curriculum, along with providing transportation and specialised training for teachers. This ensures better access to health care and education for PVTGs.
• Infrastructure development Recognising the unique challenges faced by PVTGs in accessing infrastructure development schemes, it aims to overcome barriers such as population requirements and lack of surveys. It seeks to ensure that PVTG habitations are not excluded from schemes like Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission.

Governance of PM-JANMAN

A joint secretary-level officer would oversee the PM-JANMAN, which would be housed with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Administrative, technical, and financial systems personnel would provide necessary support.

The mission nodal offices would be led by additional joint secretaries. The departments of rural development, water resources, health, education and other administrative ministries would function under joint secretary-level officers. The mission would also include a director-level officer from the NITI Aayog and the Department of Expenditure. The director of the mission and the mission headquarters in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs would coordinate on a routine basis regarding the formulation of action plans, their implementation, and monitoring with respect to both financial and physical parameters.

The mission would be led at the state level by the chief secretaries of the respective states. The convener for the mission at the state level would be Principal Secretary to Tribal Welfare. Senior officers from sectoral departments would serve as nodal officers responsible for supervision, convergence and monitoring the implementation of the mission. District Collectors would be designated as nodal officers for supervising, coordinating, and monitoring implementation at district level. For ensuring that the mission’s objectives are effectively implemented within the specific block, a block development officer would be designated.

A programme management unit (PMU) would be set up in the Department of Tribal Welfare of the state government. The PMU would coordinate and monitor with the Government of India departments and the state level departments for coordination between different ministries and states.

A PM-JANMAN mission support cell would be established to effectively support the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in achieving the project outcomes, taking into consideration the specific project management requirements. It would constitute technical support of domain experts and other resource persons. The support cell would be involved in the creation of digital frameworks, convergence of programmes and schemes across sectors, impact monitoring, and evidence-based strategic planning, among other things.

Challenges in Project Implementation

The implementation process requires careful planning, including setting priorities for goals that could be easily attained, extensive community engagement, and vigilant monitoring. The main aim is to ensure that all the eligible beneficiaries are covered in the distribution of resources and services up to the last mile of connectivity.

However, the implementation of the PM-JANMAN faces several challenges:

• Data collection and verification Gathering accurate data on potential beneficiaries is crucial for the successful implementation of the housing component of PM-JANMAN. However, simultaneous data collection and project implementation have slowed down the process. Discrepancies between the data provided by the tribal affairs ministry and that collected by state governments have further complicated the situation.
• Target delays Despite setting a target to sanction a certain number of houses by a specified date, delays have occurred in meeting these targets. For example, out of nearly five lakh houses intended to be constructed, only 1.59 lakh houses could be sanctioned by the specified deadline.
• Incomplete surveys Many state governments began the project with incomplete surveys due to time constraints. This rush has led to concerns that eligible beneficiaries may be left out, as not all PVTG groups and households have been accurately identified.
• Dynamic population and migration The population of PVTGs is not static, and members often migrate in search of employment opportunities. This mobility poses a challenge in ensuring that every eligible household is covered under the scheme.
• Identification of beneficiaries Some PVTG groups are found in villages not initially notified by the Centre. Identifying and including these additional households eligible for the scheme requires coordination between state and central authorities.
• Financial allocation While the scheme has a significant financial outlay, with a total budget of 24,104 crore over three years, a large portion of the funds is allocated for construction activities. Ensuring effective utilisation of these funds while addressing implementation challenges is critical for the success of this scheme.

Schemes Floated for PVTGs under PM-JANMAN

While protecting traditional knowledge, the PVTG Development Plan offers chances for livelihood, health care, and education. Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), procurement of minor forest products (MFP) at the minimum support price (MSP) and market linkages are the main objectives.

With the collective aim for the holistic development of tribal areas, other significant schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PM AAGY), Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) have been included. Additional measures like Eklavya Model Residential Schools, land titles under the Forest Rights Act 2006, Support to Tribal Research Institute (STRI) scheme, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996, and direct recruitment through reservations, would further aid in education, self-governance, and protection against discrimination.

The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. This initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to provide essential facilities and opportunities to PVTG households and habitations, including safe housing, clean water, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. With a budget allocation of Rs 15,000 crore over three years, PM JANMAN is part of the broader Pradhan Mantri-PVTG Development Mission, reflecting the government’s commitment to the holistic development of these marginalised communities.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)

The Dhebar Commission identified disparities among Scheduled Tribes in 1960–61. This led to the creation of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). The PTG was renamed as PVTG in the year 2006. According to the 2011 Census, India has a scheduled tribe (ST) population of 10.45 crore. Out of the 10.45 crore, 75 communities and about 28 lakh individuals of 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, put together, have been categorised as PVTGs. These communities live mainly in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. They are characterised by pre-agricultural lifestyles, low literacy, small or stagnant populations, and subsistence economies.

The population sizes of PVTGs range considerably among the groups. For instance, the Great Andamanese tribes have around 50 and the Onge tribes are around 100. Maria Gond tribes of Maharashtra and Saura tribes of Odisha are more than one lakh. Some tribes in central India, like Birhor, face stagnation, while the Onge and Andamanese are experiencing a decline.

The Government of India utilises specific criteria to identify PVTGs. These criteria include a pre-agricultural level of technology, low literacy rates, economic backwardness, and either a declining or stagnant population. As per these criteria, a total of 75 PVTGs have been identified across the country.

Challenges in the Development of PVTGs

Due to their isolation, meagre population and peculiar socioeconomic and cultural traits, PVTGs experience severe marginalisation.

The challenges for PVTG encompass various dimensions ranging from socio-economic to cultural and political factors, necessitating comprehensive interventions for upliftment. Some of the challenges include:

• Marginalisation and socioeconomic disparities PVTGs experience severe marginalisation due to their isolation, small population size, and distinct socioeconomic and cultural traits. They encounter societal prejudice and face restricted access to essential services, exacerbating their vulnerability to poverty and social exclusion.
• Vulnerability to natural calamities and displacement PVTGs are particularly susceptible to natural calamities and development-induced displacement due to their geographical location and limited resources. Their marginalised status often leaves them without adequate support and protection in the face of disasters or infrastructure projects.
• Lack of political representation The absence of political representation makes it challenging for PVTGs to participate in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. This lack of voice and representation further perpetuates their marginalisation and hampers efforts to address their specific needs and concerns.
• Disregard for traditional knowledge and customs Mainstream society often disregards the traditional knowledge and customs of PVTGs, leading to a loss of cultural identity and heritage. Preconceptions about their backwardness further marginalise them and undermine the value of their traditional practices in sustainable development.
• Threats to traditional livelihoods PVTGs face challenges in preserving their traditional means of subsistence and resource rights. Factors such as ignorance of market knowledge for non-timber forest produce and exploitation by middlemen endanger their livelihoods, posing a threat to their economic stability and cultural sustainability.
• Substandard living conditions Despite efforts to own houses, a significant portion of PVTGs still resides in traditional huts, highlighting substandard living conditions. Limited access to basic amenities such as clean water and proper housing infrastructure further perpetuates their marginalisation and hinders their overall well-being.
• Limited access to education and health care While there is a noticeable effort to pursue education among PVTGs, challenges such as poverty, lack of awareness, and insufficient government support contribute to high dropout rates and limited access to quality education. Similarly, inadequate access to health care facilities and limited awareness about health contribute to health disparities and high mortality rates among PVTGs.

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