Scheduled Tribes (ST) constitute approximately 8.6% of population of India numbering around 10.45 crores as per 2011 census. There are over 730 Scheduled Tribes notified under Article 342 of the Constitution of India. In keeping with the vision of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayaas,’ the Government of India has focused on development of tribes and conservation of their heritage and culture as a priority.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in line with this vision and its enduring commitment for welfare of tribals, geared itself to ensure sectoral development through enhanced allocation of financial resources, convergence of efforts, re-engineering of planning and implementation mechanism of the Ministry.

Major highlights of the achievements and initiatives of Ministry of Tribal Affairs during 2023 are as follows:

• Budget outlay of Ministry of Tribal Affairs increased by 70.69% to Rs. 12461.88 cr. compared to FY 2022-23 (RE)

The Budget Outlay for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in Financial Year 2023-2024 has earmarked an enhanced Total Budget Outlay is Rs. 12461.88 cr., i.e. an increase of 70.69% over the previous year’s Revised Estimate (RE) of Rs.7301.00 crore. The following announcements were made in the Budget 2023-24 for the betterment of tribals:

1. 1. Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission - to saturate the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) families and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
   2. National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission - to be implemented jointly by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with ICMR and States concerned. The Mission will cover preventive, curative and management aspects of this genetic disease in an integrated manner.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched National Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) Elimination Programme on 1^st July 2023. It aims to address the significant health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among tribal population of the country. The mission aims to screen over 8 crore tribals for SCA under 40 years of age in the next 3 years, out of which over data for 90 lakh people has already been collected.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister, Shri Arjun Munda launched ‘Awareness Campaign and Training of Trainers for the Elimination of Sickle Cell Anaemia'. The programme envisages training of grassroot level functionaries so as to create awareness in this direction among the masses, especially in tribal regions. Awareness Module regarding Sickle Cell Anaemia and its Elimination to be translated in various tribal languages to ensure deep penetration of the message at the grassroots level.

3. Central Recruitment of Teachers for EMRSs – Over 38,000 teachers and support staff shall be recruited in the next few years for the Ekalavya Model Residential Schools which will benefit 3.5 lakh tribal students. National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) published advertisement to fill 10,391 posts in the First Phase of recruitment through EMRS Staff Selection Exam – 2023.

Budget allocation of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been substantially increased from Rs.4295.94 crore in 2013-14 to Rs.12461.88 crore in 2023-24 i.e. an increase of around 190.01 %.

Similarly, with 41 Ministries/ Departments allocating funds from their total scheme allocation every year for tribal development projects, the DAPST fund allocation has increased about five and half times since 2013-14 (from Rs.21,525.36 crore (Actual Expenditure) in 2013-14 to Rs.1,17,943.73 crore in BE 2023-24).

• Pan-India celebrations marked the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas on 15^th November, 2023 to pay tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary

The Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas, dedicated to the memory of brave tribal freedom fighters, was celebrated with great fervor. Pan-India celebrations were led by President, Smt. Draupadi Murmu; Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar; and Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla. Celebratory events were attended by 6 CMs, 22 Governors, 7 Ministers from Central Government and several MPs, Ministers and MLAs from state Governments who joined virtually with the PM’s event at Khunti, Jharkhand. Tribal Research Institutes, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Centres of Excellence, Central ministries, State Tribal Welfare Departments and other partner organizations organized several events across the country to mark the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. On the occasion, PM flagged off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to ensure that benefits of flagships schemes reach targeted beneficiaries in a time-bound manner.

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

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) with total outlay of Rs. 24,104 crore (Central Share: Rs.15,336 crore and State Share: Rs.8,768 crore) to focus on 11 critical interventions through 9-line Ministries.  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched PM-JANMAN Mission for development of most Vulnerable Tribal Groups, on the occasion of the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas (15^th November, 2023). He also launched the portal on PM Gatishatki Platform which will used for reaching out and monitoring the progress and outcomes of the PM-JANMAN.

India has 75 communities located in 18 States and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands that have been categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These PVTGs continue to face vulnerability in social, economic and educational fields. Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized a Manthan Shivir in New Delhi, bringing together Nine Union Ministries and 18 State/UT Governments to chalk out an implementation road map for PM-JANMAN Mission. More than 600 officers from across the country participated in the brain storming sessions focused on preparing the action plan and implementing PM JANMAN in mission mode.

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs rolls out first phase of PM-JANMAN along with 9-line Ministries in 100 districts pan India from 25^th December, 2023

The Ministry launched the first phase of PM JANMAN scheme in 100 districts along with 9-line Ministries and District administration to ensure saturation of 11 basic amenities to the PVTGs across India. Under this campaign, camps are being set up at tribal habitations and basic amenities are being delivered to the tribal population through Aadhar enrollment, PM Jandhan accounts, issue of community certificates, Ayushman Bharat enrollment, FRA patta distribution, Kisan Credit Card enrollment etc. Wide scale sensitization and publicity is being done by the ministry through Information, Education & Communication (IEC) materials.

• PM inaugurated ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav, the mega National Tribal Festival, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi on 16^th February, 2023. Aadi Mahotsav is an attempt to showcase tribal culture on the national stage and it celebrates the spirit of tribal culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce and traditional art. It is an annual initiative of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

The event witnessed a participation of 29 PVTGs from 9 States/ UTs. It concluded with sales of more than Rs. 3 crores realised by tribal artisans for their products.

On the occasion, there were numerous dance performances that oozed with energy and vibrancy. Choreographed by dancer Rani Khanum, the performance included Bagurumba of Assam, Panthi Dance of Chhattisgarh, Gusadi of Telangana, Baiga Pardhauni of Madhya Pradesh, Tamang Selo of Sikkim, Siddhi Dhamal of Gujarat, Purulia Chhau of West Bengal, and Harul dance of Uttarakhand (Harul nritya).

• President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Kuliana, Odisha

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an EMRS on 20^th November, 2023 at Kuliana, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. A budget of Rs. 38 crores have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the school, which is being constructed by Hindustan Steel Construction Ltd (HSCL), a public sector enterprise under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

• Prime Minister inaugurated Six EMRSs in Rajasthan

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated 6 Eklavya Model Residential Schools located in districts of Udaipur (2), Banswara (2), Partapgarh (1) and Dungarpur (1) in Rajasthan on 27^th July, 2023. 2880 tribal student’s half of which will be girls will benefit with the construction of these schools.

• Eklavya Model Residential School students from 6 states meet President Smt. Droupadi Murmu as part of an educational tour.

EMRS students from 6 states, namely Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, visited Rashtrapati Bhavan and met President Smt. Droupadi Murmu as part of educational tour organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs & NESTS on 22^nd August 2023.

• A special visit of EMRS students organized to Rashtrapati Bhawan, Amrit Udyan and Rashtrapati Museum.

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), in coordination with Rashtrapati Bhawan, organized the visit of 600 EMRS students across 3 States viz. Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Nagaland for a visit to Rashtrapati Bhawan, Museum and Amrit Udyan on 15^th February, 2023. This visit of EMRS students was planned keeping in view the desire of the President of India to invite the students of schools & colleges, who are the future this nation, to Udyan Utsav, 2023.

• President Smt. Droupadi Murmu interacted with Women SHG members at the Mahila SHGs Sammelan organised by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) and the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, held at the Birsa Munda College Stadium in Khunti District of Jharkhand on 25^th May, 2023

Key Highlights Mahila SHGs Sammelan:

• Live demonstrations of tribal arts and crafts, craft- wise display of tribal products and VDVK stalls set up through TRIFED, NSTFDC and other Ministries/Departments of Government of India
• NSTFDC, NSIC, NIESBUD, Skill Sector Council (FICSI), Department of Posts and Ministry of MSME set up various stalls
• Around 25,000-30,000 tribals participate with full fervor
• Awareness generation on SCD, TB and Malaria undertaken through a booth of the Tribal Health Cell of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; screening for Sickle Cell Disease/Trait was also conducted in the Health Corner

• The President of India interacted and felicitated the members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups at Rashtriya Bhawan.

President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the PVTG Meet in the Sports Ground of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, President’s Estate on 12^th June, 2023. In a first of its kind initiative, the President invited the Members of 75 PVTGs for a visit to the Rashtrapati Bhawan for an extensive interaction with and apprised them about the various Schemes and Initiatives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The PVTG members were also given a tour of the Amrit Udyan and the Rashtrapati Bhawan during the day. The President also felicitated guests from each PVTG Community.

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs disbursed scholarships to 32.22 lakh tribal students through DBT from 1^st April 2023 to 27^th Dec, 2023.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs disbursed an amount of Rs 1692.47 crore to 32,22,609 students under various scholarship schemes namely Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST students, Post Matric Scholarship for ST students, National Fellowship Scheme for Higher Education for ST students, National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education for ST students (Top Class), National Overseas Scholarship for ST students for studying abroad from 1^st April  to 27^th December, 2023.

Details of expenditure and beneficiaries from 1^st April to 31^st December, 2023 under Scholarship Schemes

Rs. In Crore

• 23.43 lakh land titles totaling over 1.8 crore acres distributed upto 31.10.2023 under Forest Rights Act

As per the information submitted by the State Governments, 23,43,009 land titles totaling around 1,80,70,577.43 acres have been distributed (individual and community rights) across States, upto 31.10.2023, under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

• NESTS, in collaboration with Amazon India and Learning Links Foundation, launched Phase II of the ‘Amazon Future Engineer Programme’ for EMRSs

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the Phase II of the ‘Amazon Future Engineer Programme’ in 54 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) spread across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana. The second phase would include an Advanced Block Programming and Artificial Intelligence curriculum.

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs bagged best tableaux of Republic Day Parade 2023 among Ministries/Departments in the panel of judges’ section

In line with the vision of celebrating our glorious tribal heritage, a tableau showcasing tribal welfare through quality education in Eklavya Model Residential Schools established for ST children across the country by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs was displayed in the National Republic Day Parade.

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Coast Guard, celebrated ‘Adi Shaurya - Parv Parakram Ka’ with a colourful showcase of tribal dances, and performances by the Armed forces on Parakram Diwas to commemorate the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Aadi Shaurya displayed excitement, energy, and enthusiasm through a kaleidoscope of nail-biting military performances and tribal dances, showcasing the beauty of India’s diverse tribal culture from across India and promulgating the message of Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat. Over 1200 performers mesmerized the city with their talented performances. Creative Banners and tribal arts have also been installed inside and outside the stadium complex to attract the visitors. The event received a footfall of more than 90,000 people at the venue in two days.

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs organised Workshop on Good Governance for District Collectors and Project Officers (ITDA) of Scheduled Areas.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs conducted a ‘Workshop on Good Governance’ for District Collectors and Project Officers (ITDA) of Scheduled Areas on 11^th February, 2023 in New Delhi. More than 90 District Collectors and Project Officers (ITDA) of Scheduled Areas from ten states participated in the workshop and shared their experiences on gaps in policy and implementation, making recommendations/ suggestions on bridging the same through mutual learning in their areas.

• Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda, chairs ‘Discussion on field visits of Officers deputed to PVTG areas’ on 2^nd March 2023

In order to give special attention to the issues related to conservation and development of PVTG communities, the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs directed to depute Officers to conduct field visits to PVTG habitations in order to acquaint with the conditions of PVTG communities and ground level assessment for the perspective plan in consultation with the concerned State Government/UT Administration officers. Over 50 Officers have completed the visit, of which 7 presented their experiences and key findings to the Minister.

• ‘Kaushal Mahotsav’ Job Fair organized for talented tribal youth at Seraikela-Kharsawan, Jharkhand

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda participated in the mega job fair organized by the Ministry of Skill Development in association with Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The fair was a unique example of public-private partnership and was attended by leading automotive companies, offering job opportunities to the tribal youth to become trained technicians for two and four-wheelers. In the job fair more than 350 candidates selected in different job roles by 11 companies.

● Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda made a four-day visit to Andaman Islands

Shri Arjun Munda has also visited Dugong Creek in Little Andaman Island to meet ‘Onge’ PVTG community. On this occasion, he inaugurated the computer lab in the primary school and also interacted with the children of 'Onge' tribe.

• Shri Arjun Munda launched Central Sector Scheme ‘Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North Eastern Region (PTP-NER)’ in Manipur on 18^th April, 2023

Three new products from VDVKs across Manipur were also launched on the occasion, namely, Cinnamon Rolls (Dalchini) from Kamjong District, Black Rice (Chakhao) from Ukhrul District and Dried Bamboo Shoot. A substantial Budget of around Rs. 143 Cr has been allocated towards this scheme for implementation.

• Shri Arjun Munda holds interactive session with sarpanches of villages covered under Vibrant Village Programme

Shri Arjun Munda hosted more than two hundred Sarpanches from Border Villages, under the Vibrant Villages Programme with their spouses at his official residence on 14^th August 2023 in New Delhi. One Sarpanch from each state shared their views on the Vibrant Village Programme.

• TRIFED's Artisanal Treasures Steal the Spotlight at G20 Summit

The G20 Summit witnessed a remarkable showcase of India's rich tribal heritage and craftsmanship, curated and presented by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India), Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Several exquisite products, handcrafted by tribal artisans from various regions of India, captured the attention and admiration of delegates from around the world. Acknowledged for his outstanding contributions, Sh. Pareshbhai Jayantibhai Rathwa showcased his remarkable talent with a live demonstration of Pithora Art at the G20 Crafts Bazaar.

• Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda and Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav at Ahmedabad and paid a reverent tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Shri Arjun Munda and Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Aadi Mahotsav on 25^th October, 2023 at Ahmedabad and paid a reverent tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The 10-day mega event was organized by the TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs), featuring exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery, cuisine and much more through 100 stalls. More than 200 tribal artisans and artists from across the country participated in the festival.

• Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda inaugurated National Tribal Festival - ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ - in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda inaugurated the Aadi Mahotsav - the National Tribal Festival – on 7^th October, 2023 at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. The mega event was organized by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, from 7^th – 16^th October 2023. The event featured around 30 artisans’ stalls, around 11 VDVKs’ stalls and 5 cuisine stalls from Jharkhand. The event successfully demonstrated 68 artisans’ stalls from other states including 15 cuisine stalls. There was a live display of outstanding talent in various categories such as textiles, painting, jewellery, metal, cane bamboo and cuisine.

• Shri Arjun Munda inaugurated the 4th EMRS National Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav- 2023, at Dehradun.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs inaugurated the 4^th EMRS National Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav- 2023, in the presence of Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, at Dehradun on 3^rd October, 2023. The event was organized by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), and hosted by Eklavya Vidyalaya Sangathan Samiti (EVSS), Uttarakhand at Dehradun. The four-day event provided a national platform to showcase hidden talents of over 2000 tribal students from 22 States.

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs successfully organized month long Special Campaign 3.0 of cleanliness drives and disposal of pending matters

The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized the month-long Special Campaign 3.0 with full zeal and an all-round approach. The main focus of the campaign included disposal of pending matters, prioritizing space management, improving the workplace experience and cleanliness drives within the Ministry and across its subordinate/attached/field offices.

The Special Campaign 3.0 in Ministry of Tribal Affairs also included 2 outdoor cleanliness campaigns. Further, 2281 physical files were reviewed and 485 files were weeded out, while 731 e-files were identified for review and 210 e-files were closed. In addition, 26 references from MPs, 6 Parliament Assurances, 2 State Govt. References, 175 Public Grievances, 2 PMO References, 42 Public Grievances appeals were disposed of during the campaign. Also, as a result of the cleanliness drives, 200 sq. m. space was freed including other activities and Rs. 2,10,000 have been obtained after disposal of scrap.

• Eklavya Model Residential School teacher Dr. Yashpal Singh conferred National Teachers Award – 2023

Dr. Yashpal Singh, Principal, EMRS Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh was one of the 75 most talented teachers who were selected through a rigorous and transparent online three stage process from all over the country for the National Teachers’ Award by President of India, on Teachers' Day.

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