The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the road connectivity component of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in convergence with Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV, which was launched on 11th September 2024. PMGSY-IV seeks to provide all-weather road connectivity to 25,000 unconnected habitations based on Census 2011 norms.

To support tribal development and initiatives such as Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan's target of establishing 1,000 homestays, the guidelines of PMGSY-IV give priority to habitations that fulfil the following criteria:

• Habitations with a population of 500+ and 50% or more Scheduled Tribe (ST) population
• Habitations with 50 or more STs in the 250+ population category in Aspirational Districts

A detailed ground-level survey has been conducted for the preliminary identification of eligible habitations under PMGSY-IV. As of 28 July 2025, 62 road works covering 296.301 km have been sanctioned under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The PMGSY roads will facilitate access to tribal homestays, promote rural tourism, and facilitate economic opportunities in remote areas.

While PMGSY is not a scheme targeted at individual communities, its impact in tribal regions has been substantial. Improved road connectivity has enhanced access to:

• Markets, enabling better prices for tribal produce and forest goods
• Healthcare, reducing travel time and increasing institutional deliveries.
• Education, by improving access to schools and hostels
• Government services, including banking, social security, and e-governance

Several independent impact evaluations have concluded that PMGSY has led to:

• Improved rural incomes and employment opportunities
• Greater mobility and integration of tribal communities
• Enhanced women’s participation in education and markets

By bridging the infrastructure gap in remote areas, PMGSY acts as a development multiplier—unlocking the economic potential of tribal areas and complementing flagship initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) & Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. The Ministry continues to work with State Governments to ensure that the benefits of connectivity translate into inclusive and sustainable growth for tribal communities.

This information was given by Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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RC/ KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2151277)