India's Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, numbering 10.42 million people and representing 8.6% of the total population, spans over 705 unique groups and predominantly resides in remote regions of this country. The government has implemented numerous welfare schemes focused on socioeconomic empowerment, sustainable development, and preserving their vibrant cultural heritage to support these communities. These programs aim to enhance living conditions, promote education, and foster inclusive growth for tribal populations.

As part of its commitment to empowering tribal communities, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has demonstrated its unwavering dedication to tribal welfare by prioritising sectoral development. This has been achieved through enhanced financial allocations, the convergence of efforts across various sectors, and the re-engineering of planning and implementation mechanisms to ensure the effective delivery of programs and initiatives.

Major highlights of the schemes, achievements and initiatives of Ministry of Tribal Affairs during 2024 are as follows:

Budget for Tribal Empowerment and Progress

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs serves as the nodal Ministry for the overall policy, planning, and coordination of programs for the development of Scheduled Tribes. Its programmes and schemes support and supplement the efforts of other Central Ministries, State Governments, and voluntary organizations by providing financial assistance and addressing critical gaps based on the needs of Scheduled Tribes. To meet these objectives, the budget allocation for the Ministry has seen a substantial increase from Rs. 4,497.96 crore in 2014-15 to Rs. 13,000 crore in 2024-25.

Under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), now known as the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), 42 Ministries/Departments allocate funds ranging from 4.3 to 17.5 percent of their total scheme allocation each year for tribal development projects in areas such as education, health, agriculture, irrigation, roads, housing, electrification, employment generation, and skill development. The DAPST fund allocation has increased about 5.8 times since 2013-14, from Rs. 21,525.36 crore (Actual Expenditure) in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,24,908.00 crore in BE 2024-25.

Welfare schemes for the tribes:

• 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 ₹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.

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

On November 15, 2023, during Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in Khunti, Jharkhand, the Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PMJANMAN) to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). PM-JANMAN aims to improve the quality of life for PVTG communities through targeted support in areas such as safe housing, clean drinking water, education, health, road and telecom connectivity, electrification, and sustainable livelihoods.

The Mission is aimed at targeted development of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) residing in 18 States and 1 UT, who were unreached by the schemes of Ministries / Departments, and therefore requires multi-sectoral handholding through this Mission with a budget of Rs 24,000 crores for saturation of 11 interventions of 9 Ministries in 3 years. On 15^th January, PM approved sanction of projects of Rs 4450 crores. Line ministries are mandated to extend the benefit of the interventions of their existing schemes to PVTGs utilizing the funds available in STC budget head under DAPST. As of now, the ministries have sanctioned projects worth Rs. 7356 crores.

The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched a nationwide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to enhance the reach and effectiveness of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha AbhiyaN (PM-JANMAN) mission. Running from August 23, 2024, to September 10, 2024, the campaign aims to ensure 100% saturation of government schemes in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) majority areas. This initiative seeks to provide PVTG communities with vital information and access to government benefits.

Campaign Objectives

• Increase awareness of government schemes and ensure their implementation in 28,700 PVTG habitations across 206 districts in India.
• Reach approximately 44.6 lakh individuals (10.7 lakh households) within these PVTG areas.
• Provide essential documents and services at the doorstep of PVTG families, addressing challenges such as distance, road, and digital connectivity.
• Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)

The 'Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS), launched in 1977-78, aimed at bridging developmental gaps for tribal welfare. In 2021-22, the scheme was revamped as the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), focusing on providing basic infrastructure in villages with a significant tribal population. Under PMAAGY, 36,428 villages with at least 50% tribal population have been identified for development, including those in Aspirational Districts. 1.02 cr households and ST population of 4.22 cr. Convergence has been planned with 58 schemes of Central Government having Schedule Tribe Component & State Government Schemes to bridge various gaps. An amount of Rs. 7276 cr has been earmarked under the program for 5 years.  Since deception, 17616 Village development plans have been approved with the release of funds of 2357.50 cr.

• Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM)

PMJVM aims to foster tribal entrepreneurship and advance the "Vocal for Local by Tribal" initiative. It emphasizes empowering tribal communities to harness natural resources effectively, including Minor Forest Products (MFPs) and non-MFPs, by supporting businesses centred around locally produced goods. Seeks to achieve livelihood-driven tribal development across the country by providing forward and backward linkages by setting up Van Dhan Vikas Kendras / Van Dhan Producer Enterprises apart from assisting the States to make procurement of Minor Forest Produce at Minimum Support Price. There is also provision for setting up 3000 Haat Bazars and 600 Warehouses under the scheme. An amount of Rs. 1612 cr. has been approved under PMJVM scheme for five years. TRIFED is the implementing agency for the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission. 3959 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) covering about 12 lakhs persons in 28 States/ UTs have been sanctioned with funding of Rs 587.52 cr.

Other initiatives:

• 87 MFPs were added in the list of notified items of MFPs to be covered under MSP for MFP scheme.
• An amount of Rs. 319.65 crores were released to State Governments as revolving funds for procurements of MFPs. Total procurement of Rs. 665.34 crores has been made so far.
• An amount of Rs. 89.14 crores were released to State Governments for creation of infrastructure under which 1316 haat bazaars, 603 small storage units and 22 processing units were sanctioned. 

Eklavya Model Residential Schools

The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) scheme, launched in 2018-19, aims to provide quality education to tribal students, focusing on their academic, cultural, and skill development. On October 2, 2024, the Prime Minister inaugurated 40 EMRS and laid the foundation for 25 more, with an investment of over Rs 2,800 crore. So far, 728 EMRS have been approved.

In 2013-14, 167 schools were sanctioned, which has increased to 715 as on November 2024. Now E.M.R.S.'s recurring cost is Rs 1,09,000 (per student per year) in 2023-24 compared to Rs 24,200 (per student per year) in 2013-14. Total number of registered students increased to 1.33 Lakh in 2023-2024 compared to 34,365 in 2013-14.

 Over the next three years, the Center will recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff for 728 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for the education of 3.5 lakh tribal students. Appointment letters have been given to 9023 eligible selected candidates (Teaching & Non teaching staff).

• President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an Eklavya Model Residential School at Barsahi, Mayurbhanj, Odisha

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated a newly built Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Badasahi, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The Barsahi EMRS campus is constructed in about 8 acres of land. A typical EMRS will have 16 classrooms for 480 students comprising of 240 girls and 240 boys. There are separate boys’ and girls’ hostels,mess, residential accommodation for Principal, teaching and non-teaching staff, administrative block,playground, computer and science laboratories. These schools will prove to be a milestone for the overalldevelopment of tribal students of this area.

• EMRS Students from three North Eastern States participate in Udyan Utsav and Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav- 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhawan

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), organized an educational excursion from 8^th - 12^th February, 2024 for 255 students and teachers from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) of three North Eastern states – Manipur, Sikkim, and Tripura - in New Delhi. Further, Rashtrapati Bhawan in coordination with NESTS has given an opportunity to these students for visiting Rashtrapati Museum and Amrit Udyan on 08^th February. The visit marked a significant milestone for these tribal students, as it was their first time exploring the capital city and experiencing the beauty of Amrit Udyan and Rashtrapati Bhawan. Witnessing the grandeur of Delhi, the historical significance of Amrit Udyan, Rahstrapati Bhawan and museum left an indelible impression on the students, enriching their understanding of the diverse cultural heritage of India. Furthermore, the students had the honour of having a memorable interaction with President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

· NESTS organized 5th National EMRS Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav at Bhubaneswar from tomorrow

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) organized the 5^th National EMRS Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav - 2024. The grand event took place from 12^th to 15^th November 2024 at Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and is hosted by the Odisha Model Tribal Educational Society (OMTES).

· NESTS has 'Amazon Future Engineer Program' for Eklavya Model Residential Schools

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) launched the Third Phase of the ‘Amazon Future Engineer Program’ in 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) spread across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Tripura. The third phase included an orientation on blockchain, artificial intelligence, coding, block programming and AI sessions.

· Training in semiconductor technology for tribal students

Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, entrusted the project ‘Semiconductor Fabrication & Characterization Training for Students from Tribal Community’ to Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru under the central sector scheme - Tribal Research Information, Education, Communication and Events (TRI-ECE) during the financial year 2023-24. The project aims to deliver 2100 NSQF-certified level 6.0 & 6.5 training in semiconductor technology to tribal students over three years.

• Ministries of Tribal Affairs and AYUSH jointly launch a National level Project for Screening and Health Management of tribal students through Ayurvedic Interventions

The Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with its Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), undertaken this health initiative for tribal students in partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur. It aims to cater to the healthcare requirements of students residing in EMRS across tribal areas in the country. This project is set to benefit over 20,000 tribal students.

Scholarships for Tribal Empowerment

The Government of India implements 5 scholarship schemes for tribes, under which more than 30 lakh students are given scholarships every year with an annual budget of Rs. 2500 crore. Scholarships are also available to assist tribal students, aiming to lower dropout rates and foster their educational progress. These financial aids ensure that tribal communities have greater access to quality education and the chance to build a better future.

1. Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes

• Pre-Matric Scholarship: Financial assistance for ST students in Classes IX and X, promoting the transition to secondary education.
• Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial aid for ST students from Class XI to post-graduate courses, supporting higher education.

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.

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.

• 589 Tribal Students getting Pre-Matric Scholarship invited as Special Guests for Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi

During the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Indian Republic on 26^th January 2024, the Government invited 663 tribal students and teachers as special guests for participation in Republic Day 2024 Celebrations in New Delhi. The contingent includes 589 students (258 girls, 331 boys) and 74 teachers from 31 States/UTs. These children are also beneficiaries of the Pre-Matric Scholarship given under the scheme, implemented by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

• President of India inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi on 10^th February, 2024

President of India Smt. Draupadi Muru inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav, the mega National Tribal Festival, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi on 10^th February, 2024. 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.

On the occasion, then Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda in the presence of Smt Droupadi Murmu launched the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST). The Fund, a SEBI registered Venture Capital initiative, shall be managed by IFCI Venture, a subsidiary of IFCI Ltd., a Government of India Undertaking. The two investors in the VCF-ST Scheme are MoTA and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED). The scheme shall promote entrepreneurship amongst Scheduled Tribes (ST) by providing financial assistance of Rs.10 lakh to Rs.5 crore to Scheduled Tribes promoted companies working in manufacturing, services and allied sector, including start-ups and units being incubated in the technology business incubators, ensuring asset creation out of the funds deployed in the unit / project at a concessional Rate of 4% p.a (For ST women /ST disabled entrepreneurs @ 3.75% p.a.). The target segment for the fund shall be the tribal community of India and shall be applicable to entire country. The Fund is expected to boost entrepreneurship amongst Scheduled Tribes Entrepreneurs.

Support to Tribal Research Institutes Scheme:

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the Scheme “Support to Tribal Research Institute” sanctioned funds for construction of building of 10 new TRIs since 2014 namely Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Goa.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang officially inaugurated the newly constructed TRI Building, accompanied by the MP, Lok Sabha members, Cabinet Ministers, and MLAs on 15 Nov 2024

• Under the scheme, Ministry has sanctioned 11 Museums for Tribal Freedom Fighter since 2017-18 in the States of Gujarat, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur, Mizoram and Goa.
• 3 museums namely Bhagwan Birsa Munda tribal freedom Fighter Museum, Ranchi, Raja Shankar Shankar Shah Raghunath Shah at Jabalpur and Badal Bhoi Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Chhindwara have been completed.

· Preservation of tribal languages

Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, under the ‘Support to TRIs scheme’, provides financial support to the Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) in States/UTs for the projects/activities undertaken for the protection, preservation and promotion of tribal languages. Tribal communities are encouraged to participate in conferences, seminars, workshops and exchange programs. Teachers from Government Ashram Schools along with language experts from respective communities are associated in developing dictionaries and primers in tribal dialects and languages, which not only preserves and conserve the tribal languages but help tribal students in basic learning from class I to III and help in smooth transition when they go to higher classes. TRIs also organise Tribal Language Training Programme for field functionaries (front-line workers).

Grant in Aid to Voluntary Organisations working for the welfare of STs:

In the last 10 years, about 1000 cr has been released to about 200 NGOs for about 250 projects working in fields of education, Livelihood and health in respect of the tribal population. 

Initiatives for Better Health Care for the Tribal Population:

The government has launched several key health initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of tribal communities.

• Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission has been announced in the Union Budget 2023-24

The Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched on July 1, 2023, focuses on eradicating Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)through awareness campaigns, universal screening, and affordable care, with a special emphasis on tribal populations in Central, Western, and Southern India. Aims to create awareness and universal screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in affected tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments. Out of 7 cr testing of more than 4.5 cr persons has been done.

To mark the commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day 2024, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the knowledge partner Birsa Munda Centre, AIIMS Delhi convened a National Conclave for awareness generation on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), in New Delhi on 19 June 2024. The event brought together a group of experts to deliberate on ways to create awareness and halt intergenerational transmission of SCD. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram and Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri D.D. Uikey graced the occasion with their presence. The day also witnessed the initiation of a 2-week long awareness generation and screening drive across over 340 high SCD-incidence districts in 17 States across the country.

Glimpses of the event organized at AIIMS Delhi.

Forest Rights Act

• Under Forest Rights Act 2006, a total of 23.73 lakh Individual titles and a total of 1.16 lakh Community titles have been distributed, with land of about 190.39 lakh acres distributed.

• Significantly increased the total extent of land distributed: During the period from the inception of FRA to May 2014 a total 55.30 lakh acres land was distributed . Whereas, during the period from 2014 to November 2024, 190.39 lakh acres have been given, which is about three and a half times the figure during the period till May 2014. A total of 190.39 lakh acres of forest land (50.77 lakh acres for individual and 139.62 lakh for community) has been distributed up to 30.11.2024 across the country.
• FRA Implementation in Jammu & Kashmir: In Jammu and Kashmir FRA is being implemented from 31st October 2019 and as of now total 4505 titles (305 Individual rights and 4190 Community rights) have been issued.

Pan-India celebrations marked the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas on 15^th November, 2024 to pay tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary

Government of India, in 2021, has declared 15^th November, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the legendary freedom fighter and tribal leader of the country, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor all the tribal freedom fighters and remembering and acknowledging their contribution to the freedom struggle and cultural heritage, and motivate the coming generation for protecting our cultural heritage and national pride. It is a step to re-energize the efforts for the socio-economic development of the tribal regions. For the past three years, the Government of India has been celebrating this day to commemorate the contributions of tribal communities to the nation’s history and culture, by launching new schemes and missions, accompanied by nationwide celebrations.

On 15 Nov in the morning in a gracious event organized at the Prerna Sthal, Parliament House, New Delhi President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu give floral tribute to the Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda statue. In addition to these national events, state-level programs and district-level functions organized in 29 States and Union Territories. These events aim to inform Gram Panchayat leaders and beneficiaries about various government programs, with dignitaries distributing benefits and issuing sanction letters. Hon'ble Chief Ministers, Governors, and Cabinet Ministers in their respective states take part in the state-level events. The celebrations featured health camps, Tribal Artisan Melas, Nukkad Nataks (street plays), and sessions where beneficiaries share their experiences, highlighting the impact of these programs on tribal communities. Ministry of Tribal Affairs celebrated the 4th Janjatiya Gaurav Divas from November 15 to November 26, 2024, aligning with Constitution Day celebrations across the country along with an IEC campaign on Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

On the occasion of the 4^th year celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed a public function in Jamui, Bihar, along with laying of foundation stone and inauguration/launch of some projects/schemes to the tribal population of India. On the dais Prime Minister was accompanied by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs Sh. Jual Oram, Hon’ble Union Minister of Panchayat Raj Sh. Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble union Minster of Textiles Sh. Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Bihar Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon’ble union Minister of MSME Sh. Jitan Ram Manjhi, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries Sh. Chirag Paswan and Hon’ble State Minister of Tribal Affairs Sh. Durgadas Uikey. This national event was connected to 100 selected districts through two-way connectivity. Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi announced that from 15^th Nov 2024 to 15^th Nov 2025, one year will be celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh commemorating the contribution of tribal freedom fighters.

Hon’ble PM interacting with EMRS students and inaugurating Postal stamp

EMRS students, PMJANMAN beneficiaries and VDVKs took part in the Independence Day celebration in New Delhi

EMRS students, PMJANMAN beneficiaries and VDVKs from across the country were invited as guests to Delhi on the 78^th celebration of Independence Day. They participated in the celebration at Laal Quila and visited the Prime minister’s Museum, Parliament House and Rastrapati Bhawan.

EMRS students and PMJANMAN beneficiaries visiting Rastrapati Bhawan and Prime ministers museum. Hon’ble President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu welcoming VDVKs at the Rastrapati Bhawan.

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