Gujarat Leads in Tribal Empowerment: A Success Story of PM-JANMAN

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has been recognized as the leading state in India for the effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) for July 2025. This scheme, introduced by the Central Government, aims to deliver a comprehensive development strategy for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), focusing on addressing their long-standing needs and ensuring access to essential services.

State rankings for the PM-JANMAN Yojana are released monthly, with Gujarat securing the top spot for July. It is significant to mention that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched this initiative on November 15, 2023, commemorating 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas'. The mission is structured to drive the socio-economic growth of 75 PVTGs residing across 18 states and one Union Territory, providing essential amenities such as healthcare, educational opportunities, housing, clean water, electricity, infrastructure, livelihood support, and connectivity. In Gujarat, five specific PVTGs benefit from these efforts, including Kathodi, Kotwalia, Padhar, Siddi, and Kolgha.

Through PM-JANMAN, Gujarat strives to enhance the living conditions of its PVTGs by consistently providing necessary services. These services include housing projects, improved road connectivity, piped water supply, comprehensive healthcare, educational infrastructure, Anganwadi centers, electricity, mobile towers, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and multipurpose centers. Detailed surveys of PVTG households have identified critical gaps, allowing for targeted interventions. As a result, 12,489 houses have been sanctioned for PVTG families, with 17 road routes also greenlit to boost connectivity.

All 2,803 identified households now have piped water access, achieving full coverage. Healthcare outreach has been enhanced with 22 operational mobile medical units. Additionally, 67 new Anganwadi centers will soon be operational, supported by the approval for constructing 13 hostels to foster educational opportunities. Electricity now reaches 5,200 new households, while mobile connectivity improves with the installation of 37 towers and work on 34 more underway.

To boost livelihood opportunities, 21 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been approved, aiding PVTG families in securing greater income through value-added forest produce processing. Furthermore, 39 multipurpose centers, pivotal for skill development and community health, have been authorized. The mission receives joint support from eight Indian government ministries, including those of Rural Development, Jal Shakti, Health and Family Welfare, Education, Women and Child Development, Power, Communications, and Tribal Affairs.

Complementing the mission's efforts, various Gujarat government departments initiated an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign. This involved installing 920 PM-JANMAN selfie points, wall art at 473 spots, displaying 1,446 hoardings and posters, and distributing over 32,000 pamphlets to increase awareness. The campaign also extended various welfare benefits, issuing 23,374 Aadhaar cards, opening 12,229 PM Jan Dhan accounts, and providing benefits under PM Matru Vandana Yojana to 466 women.

Additionally, 2,998 caste certificates and 14,827 ration cards were distributed, 1,051 beneficiaries received Kisan Credit Cards, over 100,000 Ayushman cards were issued, and 4,048 benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)