In a huge step to empower tribals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch PM PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Development Mission on November 15, Wednesday. In a first-of-its-kind mission, the government launched a ₹24,000 crore scheme to ensure holistic development of PVTGs on JanJaatiya Gaurav Divas, sources told ANI.

The media report said that the mission will be implemented through convergence of 11 interventions of nine ministries. For instance, under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMGAY), Jal Jeevan Mission etc. some scheme norms will be relaxed to cover these remote habitations.

In addition, separately, saturation will be ensured for Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), sickle cell disease elimination, tuberclosis elimination, 100% immunisation, PM Surakshit Matritva Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Poshan, PM Jan Dhan Yojana etc, the report added.

The mission is aimed to improve socio-economic conditions of the PVTGs by saturating PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the scheme in Budget 2023-24. There are 75 recognised PVTG tribes, with the highest number being found in Odisha.