Major Tribal Welfare Schemes In India
Source: PIB
GS II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections
Overview
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing a range of targeted interventions to improve the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Tribes through education, livelihood promotion, financial assistance, and institutional support.
- The latest update to Parliament highlights the progress of flagship schemes and emphasises stronger monitoring, inter-ministerial convergence, and outcome-based implementation to ensure inclusive and sustainable tribal development.
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the implementation status of major schemes for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs).
News in Brief
- The government presented scheme-wise achievements, funds released, and beneficiaries over the last five financial years.
- The statement highlighted progress under PM-JANMAN, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), scholarships, Van Dhan initiatives, and Tribal Research Institutes.
- The Ministry also explained its monitoring mechanism for Tribal Sub-Plan (DAPST) funds and flagship tribal welfare programmes.
Education and Scholarships
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
- Provide quality residential education up to Class XII to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, comparable to that offered by Navodaya Vidyalayas.
- One EMRS is envisaged in every eligible tribal-majority block.
- Nearly 499 are functional with over 1.38 lakh students enrolled.
Scholarship Schemes
Pre-Matric Scholarship- Supports ST students of Classes IX and X to reduce dropouts.
Post-Matric Scholarship- Provides financial assistance for higher education after Class X.
Livelihood and Regional Development
- PM-JANMAN- Launched in November 2023 to saturate basic facilities, set up Multi-Purpose Centres and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for 75 PVTG communities through convergence of multiple Ministries.
- Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM)- Promotes value addition and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through thousands of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, helping over 12.48 lakh members.
- Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA)- Launched in 2024 to cover over 63,000 tribal villages through 17 cooperating ministries.
Monitoring and Support
- Grants under Article 275(1)– Constitutional funds given to states for tribal welfare and improving administration in Scheduled Areas.
- NSTFDC– Offers concessional loans for income generating activities among Scheduled Tribes.
- Monitoring– Online monitoring of DAPST(Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes) funds through integration with the Public Finance Management System (PFMS), district-wise digital dashboard for PM-JANMAN, periodic review meetings and third-party evaluations ensure transparency and effective implementation.
Significance and Challenges
- Promotes inclusive and equitable development by addressing the educational, economic and social needs of Scheduled Tribes.
- Reduces regional disparities through targeted interventions in tribal-majority and remote areas.
- Helps to strengthen human capital through education, scholarships and skill development.
- It will enhance the livelihood opportunities by promoting Minor Forest Produce (MFP) value chains and entrepreneurship.
- Preserves tribal culture and traditional knowledge through Tribal Research Institutes and documentation initiatives.
Challenges
- Low awareness among eligible beneficiaries leading to under-utilisation of schemes is the major challenge.
- Delays in fund utilisation and implementation across States.
- Difficult geographical terrain and inadequate connectivity in tribal areas, limits government programmes reaching wider targeted beneficiaries.
- Persistent gaps in health, nutrition, literacy and digital access lowers the effectiveness of initiatives.
- Weak market linkages affecting income from forest produce poses a major challenge.
- Need for better convergence among implementing Ministries and State governments for wider output.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
- Article 46 – Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Tribes.
- Article 275(1) – Grants-in-aid for tribal welfare.
- Fifth Schedule – Administration of Scheduled Areas.
- Sixth Schedule – Autonomous administration in certain tribal areas of the North-East.
- Article 338A – National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
- Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act, 1996 – Self-governance in Scheduled Areas.
- Forest Rights Act, 2006 – Recognition of forest rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
Conclusion
A comprehensive and well-monitored approach to tribal welfare, supported by targeted education, livelihood, financial inclusion, and infrastructure initiatives, is essential for achieving inclusive development and improving the socio-economic status of Scheduled Tribes in India.
Key Takeaways
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
Consider the following statements:
- PM-JANMAN focuses on the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide residential education up to Class XII for Scheduled Tribe students.
- Grants under Article 275(1) are constitutional grants for tribal welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only
Answer: C
Mains Practice Question
Q.“Discuss the major government initiatives for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes in India. Evaluate their role in promoting inclusive growth and tribal empowerment.” (250 Words)
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