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Bhagwan Birsa Munda taught us how to live in harmony with our surroundings and be proud of our culture. Inspired by him, we are working to fulfil his dreams and to empower our tribal communities. ~ PM Shri Narendra Modi
Since 2021, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas has been celebrated with great zeal across India to honor the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters. The tribal communities played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle, with movements like those led by the Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis, and Mizos, Tribal movements against British rule, like the Ulgulan (Revolution) led by Birsa Munda, were not only pivotal in challenging British oppression but also inspired a national awakening. To ensure the sacrifices of these unsung heroes are never forgotten, the Indian government declared 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2021, marking 75 years of India’s independence.
Schemes for the Welfare of Tribes
In addition to Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the government has launched several programs and initiatives aimed at supporting tribal communities through socio-economic empowerment, sustainable development, and cultural preservation. According to the 2011 Census, India’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population stands at 10.42 crore, or 8.6% of the total population, comprising over 705 distinct groups spread across remote and often inaccessible areas.
Government Initiatives and Financial Support for Tribal Development
The Indian government’s efforts for tribal development began with the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in 1974-75, evolving into the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) and the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST). Financial support has grown significantly, with the DAPST budget increasing from Rs. 25,000 crore to Rs. 1.2 lakh crore in 2023-24. For 2024-25, the Union Budget has allocated Rs. 13,000 crore to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, marking a 73.60% rise from the previous year.
Launch of Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
On October 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Hazaribag, Jharkhand. With an outlay of over Rs. 79,156 crore, this ambitious program aims to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood development across approximately 63,843 tribal villages. The Abhiyan benefits over 5.38 crore tribal people.
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)
Along with the Dharti Aaba program, the Prime Minister launched projects under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). This significant initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15, 2023, during Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in Khunti District, Jharkhand. This aims to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). With a budget of Rs. 24,104 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26, the initiative focuses on improving the quality of life for PVTG communities.
The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)
The scheme aims to provide basic infrastructure in villages with a significant tribal population. Under the scheme, 36428 villages having 50% tribal population and 500 Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been identified for providing basic infrastructure facilities.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) were launched in 2018-19 as part of a Central Sector Scheme to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children in remote areas, offering them opportunities for higher education and employment. These schools follow the Navodaya Pattern and accommodate 480 students from Class VI to XII.
As of now, 1.29 lakh tribal students are enrolled across these schools. The government has approved a total of 728 EMRS schools, with 440 new schools (excluding 12 overlapping locations) .
Key Government Scholarships and Fundings for Tribal Empowerment
The government offers various scholarships and financial support to empower tribal communities.
1. Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes
These scholarships aim to reduce dropout rates and support tribal students’ education:
• Pre-Matric Scholarship: Financial assistance for ST students in Classes IX and X.
• Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial aid for ST students from Class XI to post-graduate courses.
2. National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students
This scheme offers meritorious ST students the chance to pursue post-graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral studies at international universities. With an emphasis on excellence and global exposure.
3. National Fellowship for ST Students
This fellowship scheme supports tribal students pursuing higher education through a fully digital process, ensuring timely financial assistance and grievance redressal via DigiLocker integration.
Schemes for Income Generation and Economic Empowerment
The government has launched several schemes to empower tribal communities, focusing on income generation and economic development.
• The Term Loan Scheme offers soft loans up to 90% of business costs, with repayment terms of 5 to 10 years.
• The Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojna (AMSY) provides concessional loans up to Rs. 2 lakhs at 4% interest for tribal women.
• The Micro Credit Scheme supports tribal self-help groups with loans up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
• The Adivasi Shiksha Rinn Yojana (ASRY) provides soft loans for tribal students pursuing higher education.
Health Initiatives for Improved Outcomes
The government has launched several health initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for tribal communities.
1. Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission
Launched by PM Modi on July 1, 2023, in Madhya Pradesh, the mission targets the elimination of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
2. Mission Indradhanush
Immunization Campaign focuses on ensuring full immunization for children up to two years of age and pregnant women, with a special emphasis on tribal communities.
3. Nikshay Mitra Initiative
The Nikshay Mitra Initiative targets tuberculosis (TB), offering diagnostic, nutritional, and vocational support to TB patients, particularly those from tribal communities.
5. National Health Mission (NHM)
The National Health Mission developed comprehensive guidelines for the prevention and control of haemoglobinopathies, including Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), which are common among tribal population.
6. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
Supports maternal and child health, offering financial assistance to tribal women for prenatal and postnatal care.
Honouring and Celebrating India’s Tribal Communities
To honour the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters, the government has sanctioned the establishment of 10 Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums across states where tribals fiercely resisted British rule.
All these initiatives, along with other steps taken by the government, have paved the path of bringing the tribal communities into the mainstream while honouring their cultures, legacies and ways of life.
Conclusion
The government has introduced various initiatives to empower these communities, focusing on education, health, and socio-economic development. By raising awareness and fostering solidarity, we can ensure the preservation of tribal cultures while improving their quality of life and integrating them into India’s progress.