On November 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the PM-PVTG Development Mission, a groundbreaking scheme aimed at fostering the comprehensive development of approximately 28 lakh people belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). This significant event is scheduled to coincide with the birth anniversary celebration of the revered tribal freedom fighter, Birsa Munda, observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas for the past three years.
Historic Visit to Ulihatu Village
- The launch ceremony is strategically planned to take place in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, specifically after a visit to Ulihatu village, the birthplace of Birsa Munda.
- This visit will mark a historic moment as Prime Minister Modi becomes the first sitting Prime Minister to visit this village.
- Last year, on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu made history by being the first President to visit Ulihatu village.
PM-PVTG Mission and Development Initiatives
- The PM-PVTG Development Mission aims to address the critical needs of the 75 PVTG communities residing in over 22,000 remote villages across 18 States and Union Territories.
- The focus areas include power, water, road connectivity, housing, education, and healthcare.
- This comprehensive approach aligns with the government’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra
- Simultaneously, Prime Minister Modi is expected to launch the “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” from Khunti, with the ambitious goal of achieving saturation of flagship government schemes across the country.
- This Yatra will commence from tribal-dominated districts, aiming to cover all districts by January 2024.
- The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to extending the benefits of its schemes to the remotest corners of the nation.
Multi-Sectoral Development Projects
- During his visit to Jharkhand, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth ₹7,200 crore in crucial sectors such as rail, road, education, coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
- Additionally, he will release the 15th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, further contributing to the agricultural well-being of the nation.
Implementation Strategy
- To ensure the success of the PM-PVTG Development Mission, government officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have been actively visiting PVTG villages across the country over the past six months.
- Their observations will inform the immediate needs of these communities, facilitating a targeted and prioritized implementation of the scheme.
Saturation of Key Schemes
- Concerted efforts will be made in PVTG villages to achieve the saturation of vital schemes.
- These schemes include PM-Jan Arogya Yojana, Sickle-Cell Elimination Campaign, TB Elimination Campaign, 100% immunization, PM Surakshit Matritva Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Poshan, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, among others.
- This approach aims to comprehensively address the diverse needs of the PVTG population.
Financial Commitment
- While initially budgeted at ₹15,000 crore over three years, the government has now allocated ₹24,000 crore for the PM-PVTG Development Mission.
- This financial commitment underscores the government’s determination to bring about substantial positive change in the lives of PVTG communities.
Concerns and Responses
- Despite the government’s push for the PM-PVTG mission, a House Panel on the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes expressed concerns about the budgeting, noting the lack of current data on the total population of PVTGs in the country.
- The government’s responsive approach ensures that concerns are duly addressed for the successful implementation of the scheme.