Is the Govt truly committed to tribal development during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh?

Synopsis
The government is set to honor the legacy of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda with a year-long celebration. Union Minister Jual Oram emphasized significant initiatives aimed at improving the lives of tribal communities, including a robust plan for both health and socio-economic development. Discover how these efforts could transform tribal regions across India.
Key Takeaways
- Celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh from November 15, 2024.
- Focus on health initiatives for tribal areas, particularly sickle cell anaemia.
- Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) targets vulnerable tribal groups.
- Budget allocation of Rs 24,104 crore for tribal development.
- Annual scholarships for 30 lakh tribal students.
New Delhi, May 27 (NationPress) Committed to the comprehensive advancement of tribal regions, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram declared on Tuesday that the government is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh from November 15, 2024, to November 15, 2025.
When questioned regarding welfare programs for tribals, the Minister mentioned that in the Union Budget for 2023-24, a significant initiative was introduced to tackle the health challenges posed by sickle cell anaemia, especially in tribal areas.
The mission aligns with the nation's objective to eradicate sickle cell anaemia by 2047, he stated.
A statement from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs indicated that as part of the year-long festivities, states and Union Territories will host national and state-level events through tribal research institutes all over the country.
“This annual celebration pays tribute to the contributions of tribal leaders and communities to India’s freedom movement and nation-building,” the statement read.
Minister Oram elaborated that the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) serves as a transformative policy initiative aimed at promoting the holistic development of 75 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) across 18 states and a Union Territory.
PM-JANMAN is designed to ensure fair access to essential services for PVTG communities, enhancing their living conditions and facilitating socio-economic advancement, the Minister remarked.
He revealed that the budget allocation for the scheme is Rs 24,104 crore (Central share: Rs 15,336 crore and state share: Rs 8,768 crore).
The scheme’s primary goals include providing safe housing, clean drinking water, improved education, healthcare, nutrition, road connectivity, electricity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities within a three-year timeframe.
Minister Oram also noted that his Ministry runs five scholarship programs, benefiting 30 lakh tribal students each year.
The Ministry stated that the sickle cell anaemia elimination mission was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1, 2023, in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.
Over five crore individuals have undergone screening for sickle cell anaemia as part of the universal screening initiative.
The campaign highlighted a two-week nationwide awareness initiative, conducted from June 19 to July 3, 2024, during which 1.6 lakh events were organized. This included one lakh health camps, 27 lakh screening tests, and the distribution of 13.19 lakh screening cards.
The statement also mentioned that 15 centres of competence were approved across 14 states to enhance healthcare services for tribal communities.