The light of development is reaching the villages of special backward tribes*

Dhananjay Rathore
Joint Director, Public Relations, Raipur

Raipur/ Due to the Chhattisgarh government's policy of development, trust and security, winds of change have started blowing in the forest areas of Chhattisgarh. Positive changes are visible in the environment and life of the people there. Along with government missionaries, the participation of the general public has also increased in development and construction works, due to which every area of ​​Chhattisgarh has rapidly joined the mainstream of development and is on the path of progress. Works related to health, roads, education, drinking water and electricity development are being carried out rapidly. Roadless areas are being connected to main roads, due to which the benefits of government schemes and programs have become easier for the common people.

The full form of PM-JANMAN is Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyaan. It is a special scheme of the Government of India aimed at socio-economic development of the most backward and vulnerable particularly vulnerable tribal groups of the country and to integrate them into the mainstream. The scheme aims to provide pucca and safe housing (under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), clean drinking water and sanitation, better education and schools/hostels, health services and mobile medical units, better nutrition (through Anganwadi centres), pucca roads and telecom connectivity, electrification of unelectrified households, sustainable livelihood opportunities and skill development (such as Van Dhan Kendras).

In Chhattisgarh's dense forested areas and remote villages, having a paved road and a roof over one's head was once an unimaginable dream. Walking miles to reach a hospital during illness was a daunting challenge, while basic amenities like electricity, clean water, and quality education were beyond the reach of every family. But today, through the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana (PM-JANMAN) scheme, the landscape of these areas is rapidly changing. Chhattisgarh is home to the Gond, Muria, Madia, Dhurwa, Halba, Bhatra, Dorla, Dandami Madia, Korwa, Oraon, Kanwar, Binjhwar, and Manjhi tribal groups. Among these, the winds of development and respect are now reaching the homes of the Baiga and Special Backward Tribe (PGVT) communities, such as the Pahari Korwa, Birhor, Kamar, and Abujhmadia. Priority work is being undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana to benefit these Special Backward Tribe groups in the state. By identifying the settlements of special backward tribes, all the eligible beneficiaries who are deprived of the benefits of the government's public welfare schemes are being benefited.

*Direct access to governance after decades of neglect*

Several historic initiatives have been taken by the central and state governments to holistically uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) or Special Backward Tribes and integrate them into the mainstream of development. After long periods of geographical and social neglect, direct access to governance is now being ensured in remote forest areas and tribal villages. Assessing these changes on the special occasion of Tribal Pride Day, celebrated on November 15th, underscores how these initiatives are providing tribal communities with equal opportunities for better lives and development. The fundamental objective of this scheme is not merely to create physical infrastructure, but to physically deliver governance to families who have been cut off from the mainstream of development for decades.

This ambitious scheme launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2023 for the upliftment of Special Backward Tribes was implemented on the ground under the leadership of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai with such commitment that Chhattisgarh was awarded the first prize for its outstanding success by the Honorable President of the country, Smt. Draupadi Murmu.

*Connectivity strengthened by permanent houses and roads*

The Chhattisgarh government of Shri Vishnu Dev Sai is committed to the overall development of the Scheduled Tribes (SBCs). The government is paying special attention to education, health, employment, and infrastructure for the upliftment of these Scheduled Tribes. Various initiatives are underway in the district to integrate these Scheduled Tribes into the mainstream of development, strengthen their livelihoods, and provide local employment opportunities. The overall development of these Scheduled Tribes is achieved by providing them with business and self-employment opportunities. The scheme has brought about significant changes for the residents of forest areas in Chhattisgarh. 34,691 permanent houses were approved for Scheduled Tribes in the state, of which 24,218 (approximately 69 percent) have been successfully constructed. This has fulfilled a long-held dream for families who were once forced to live in mud houses or hut-like dwellings.

To connect villages to main roads and markets, 2,901 kilometers of roads were approved, of which 1,833 kilometers have been completed. This has facilitated education, health, and local livelihoods. Skill training has provided new employment and self-employment opportunities for tribal youth.

*Expansion of electricity, water and health services*

Solar energy and on-grid electricity are providing electricity to remote forest areas and particularly backward tribal settlements. Thousands of families have been provided with 100% electricity connections by installing tower feeders and transformers in various states, including Chhattisgarh. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, pure and clean drinking water is being supplied through pipelines to thousands of particularly backward tribal households, freeing them from the compulsion of fetching water from distant streams or drinking impure water from crevices. Unprecedented progress has also been made on the infrastructure front in inaccessible forest areas. 100% off-grid electrification of 7,349 families in the state has been completed. Additionally, 100% coverage has been achieved in 940 of the 1,490 targeted villages and in 510 of the 1,425 villages in terms of drinking water.

*health and Nutrition*

Special campaigns are being launched to screen and prevent the genetic disease sickle cell among Scheduled Tribes (SBD). Iron-folate acid supplements are provided to address hemoglobin deficiencies in people of various age groups and pregnant women. Raising awareness about nutrition gardens and balanced diets at the local level, and spreading nutrition and health awareness among Scheduled Tribe families, are priorities. To prevent malnutrition, regular health checkups for children, proper care for pregnant and lactating mothers, and balanced nutritional supplements are being provided. To ensure healthcare in remote areas, Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) are being operated, providing healthcare services and medicines directly to settlements. Additionally, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and Anganwadi centers are being strengthened. Sixty-one Mobile Medical Units are fully operational to deliver healthcare services directly to homes. Furthermore, all 191 approved Anganwadi centers are currently operating smoothly.

*Livelihoods and Digital Access*

In areas inhabited by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs or Special Backward Tribes), extensive socio-economic reforms are being carried out by linking traditional means of livelihood with modern digital connectivity. Digital inclusion is creating new opportunities in these remote and geographically isolated areas. Traditionally, these tribes' livelihoods have primarily relied on agriculture and minor forest produce (MFPs) such as honey, mahua, tendu leaves, and herbs. The government is now taking several concrete steps to connect them with mainstream markets. Hundreds of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been activated in Special Backward Tribal Areas under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Manman Yojana (PM-JANMAN). For example, thousands of members are being trained in entrepreneurship and value addition through centers operating in tribal areas of Chhattisgarh. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Manman Vikas Mission (PMJVM), forest produce is being procured at the government-notified minimum support price to reduce dependence on middlemen.

Mobile towers are being installed specifically in inaccessible and remote villages, connecting these areas to digital services and emergency contact facilities for the first time. With increased access to internet connectivity, services like Digital India, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and digital banking are now reaching these communities directly. Through digital literacy and communication tools, tribal artisans and forest produce collectors are now able to showcase their value-added products on a wide range of domestic and digital markets (e-commerce platforms). Sixteen Vandhan Vikas Kendras have been established to promote livelihoods based on local resources. 135 mobile tower sites have been approved for digital connectivity (of which work has already begun on 37), and 51 multipurpose centers and 40 hostels are also being constructed.

The PM Janman Yojana has not only built brick and mortar houses or paved roads for Chhattisgarh's marginalized tribal communities, but has also given these communities a new identity and the confidence to join the national mainstream. This success, on the occasion of Tribal Pride Day, is proof that the creation of a strong, inclusive, and developed Chhattisgarh is becoming a reality.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that Chhattisgarh has emerged as the number one state in the country for the effective implementation of the PM Janman Yojana. Bringing smiles to the faces of the most marginalized tribes is the government's true victory in good governance. With electricity, water, roads, and healthcare facilities, Chhattisgarh's tribal community is now reaching new heights of development.