A Landmark Initiative for Tribal Upliftment
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Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a revolutionary initiative, the PM-Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA), aimed at the holistic development of India’s tribal communities. This ambitious program promises to uplift over 10.85 lakh tribal families across Odisha, targeting a significant socio-economic transformation in the region’s tribal-majority areas.
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The initiative is set to cover 7,667 villages in 232 blocks across 27 districts of Odisha, underscoring the government’s commitment to the welfare of tribal populations, which constitute 22.85% of the state’s population.
A Holistic Approach: Focus on Infrastructure, Education, Health, and Empowerment
At the heart of PM-JUGA is a comprehensive approach to improving key aspects of tribal life. This includes a focus on infrastructure development, financial empowerment, access to quality education, and enhanced healthcare services. The initiative also emphasizes dignified ageing for the elderly in tribal communities, ensuring they have access to better healthcare and support.
Odisha’s Minister for ST, SC Development, and M&BCW, Nityananda Gond, hailed the initiative as a game-changer for the state’s tribal communities. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the Union and State Governments to provide essential services and foster a healthier living environment for tribal populations.
Minister Gond emphasized, “With 64 distinct tribes, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Odisha has one of the largest tribal populations in the country. The PM-JUGA initiative will play a crucial role in bridging gaps in education, health, and infrastructure, helping these communities integrate more fully into the mainstream.”
Building on Success: From PM-JANMAN to PM-JUGA
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The PM-JUGA initiative is built on the foundation of earlier programs like the PM-JANMAN Yojana, which brought substantial improvements in maternal and child healthcare in tribal regions. With PM-JUGA, the government aims to further accelerate development in tribal areas, addressing long-standing challenges related to infrastructure, education, health, and livelihoods.
The scope of PM-JUGA is vast, encompassing 25 programs implemented by 17 ministries and departments. These programs will be funded through the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), ensuring that the financial resources are available to make meaningful changes on the ground.
Massive Financial Commitment: ₹ 79,156 Crore for Tribal Development
In a historic decision, the Union Cabine, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, approved PM-JUGA with a massive outlay of ₹ 79,156 crore. This includes ₹ 56,333 crore from the central government and ₹ 22,823 crore from the states, making it one of the largest investments in tribal development in India’s history.
This large-scale initiative is expected to improve the socio-economic condition of tribal families through saturation coverage in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts, helping lift millions of people out of poverty.
Targeted Reach: Over 5 Crore Tribal People to Benefit Nationwide
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PM-JUGA will not only benefit Odisha but will also have a far-reaching impact across the country. As per the 2024-25 Budget, the program will cover around 63,000 villages in 549 districts and 2,740 blocks across 30 states and union territories. This massive reach is expected to benefit over 5 crore tribal people.
By focusing on areas with significant tribal populations, including aspirational districts, the initiative aims to bring about long-lasting changes in tribal regions, improving living standards and providing new economic opportunities.
Key Goals of PM-JUGA: Transforming Tribal Communities
Infrastructure Development: Building roads, schools, healthcare centers, and other essential infrastructure in remote tribal areas to improve connectivity and access to basic services.
Financial Empowerment: Providing financial assistance and promoting sustainable livelihoods through skill development and access to markets.
Quality Education: Ensuring that children in tribal regions receive quality education, with a focus on improving literacy rates and reducing dropout rates.
Dignified Ageing: Improving healthcare for elderly tribal individuals, ensuring they receive the care and support needed to age with dignity.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Odisha’s Tribals
The launch of PM-JUGA marks a significant step toward realizing the government’s vision of a more inclusive and equitable society. For Odisha, this initiative could be a turning point in addressing the unique challenges faced by its tribal communities. By improving infrastructure, empowering individuals financially, and providing access to quality education and healthcare, PM-JUGA promises a brighter and more prosperous future for tribal families.
Minister Gond emphasized that both the Union and State Governments are working in tandem to ensure the initiative’s success, and he believes that the PM-JUGA initiative will bring about substantial progress in Odisha’s tribal regions, enabling these communities to participate more fully in the state’s economic growth.
As PM-JUGA rolls out over the coming years, all eyes will be on its implementation, with hopes high that it will deliver the promised benefits and help integrate India’s tribal populations into the national mainstream. With a clear roadmap, adequate financial backing, and strong political will, PM-JUGA is poised to be a transformative force for Odisha’s 10.85 lakh tribal families and millions more across the country.
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