A Promise Fulfilled

By Ajaz Rashid

Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week took a significant step by releasing the initial installment to 100,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). This milestone was marked with a virtual event where the Prime Minister engaged in dialogue with the beneficiaries of PM-JANMAN.

During the interaction, Mankunwari Bai from Jashpur district in Chhattisgarh shared her story. Engaged in agricultural activities with her husband, she highlighted her involvement in training sessions to produce Dona Pattal through a self-help group named Deep Samuh.  Mankunwari emphasized creating awareness about PM-JANMAN schemes, such as the Janman Sangi initiative, through door-to-door campaigns. She detailed the benefits received, including a pucca house, water and gas connections, electricity, and the Ayushman Card, which facilitated free treatment for her family. Expressing gratitude, she acknowledged the positive impact on her life, stating, “The work which wasn’t taken up in the last 75 years has now been completed in 25 days.”

Modi, the Prime Minister, inquired about the attendees’ interest in sports, encouraging active participation, and noting the recent success of tribal athletes in various sports. He stressed the significance of community involvement in government schemes, underlining the amplified impact when embraced by the masses. Concluding the interaction, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every eligible beneficiary is included.

Lalita Aadivasi from Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, a mother of three, expressed her gratitude for being a beneficiary of various schemes, including Ayushman Card, ration card, and PM Kisan Nidhi. She shared the positive impact of PM-JANMAN on tribal communities, highlighting the comprehensive coverage of available benefits. The Prime Minister acknowledged her achievements, commending her on receiving the first installment of a pucca house.

A notable mention was made of Ms. Bharti Narayan Ran, a 9th-grade student from Eklavya Model Residential School in Nashik, Maharashtra. She impressed the Prime Minister with her linguistic skills and shared her aspirations to become an IAS officer. The Prime Minister encouraged her and expressed his blessings, emphasizing the government’s efforts to expand Eklavya schools across the country.

Swavi Ganga from Alurisithram Raju District, Andhra Pradesh, a mother of two involved in coffee plantations, highlighted the positive impact of government schemes on her income and livelihood. She thanked the Prime Minister for the improvements in her village, including new roads and essential facilities. The Prime Minister congratulated her on becoming a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and expressed confidence in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Shashi Kiran Birjiya from Gumla District, Jharkhand, shared her experience of engaging with a self-help group, emphasizing the benefits received, such as a pucca house, tapped water connection, and involvement in Van Dhan Kendras. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the on-ground impact of government schemes, highlighting their speed and scale under PM-JANMAN.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi recognized the festive mood across the nation during celebrations like Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Bihu. He drew parallels between the joyous festivities and the significant milestone of transferring funds to tribal beneficiaries for pucca homes. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that these beneficiaries would celebrate Diwali in their own homes, echoing the positive momentum and festive spirit.

Reflecting on the historic occasion of the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a momentous event. He invoked the significance of Mata Shabari in the Ramayana, emphasizing her role in Prince Ram’s transformation to Maryada Purushottam Ram through her devotion and offerings of berries.

Highlighting the achievements of PM-JANMAN Maha Abhiyan, Prime Minister Modi shared the government’s commitment to reaching every tribal community member through various schemes. He outlined the challenges faced during the inauguration of PM-JANMAN and emphasized the government’s resolve to address issues like contaminated water, lack of electricity, gas connections, and connectivity in remote tribal areas.

The Prime Minister explained the meaning of ‘JANMAN’ as the amalgamation of ‘Jan’ (people) and ‘Mann’ (their inner voice). He reiterated the government’s dedication to fulfilling the wishes of tribal communities, announcing a substantial budget of over Rs 23,000 crores for PM-JANMAN. The Prime Minister highlighted the distribution of Ayushman cards, linkage of farmers to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and land leases under the Forest Rights Act, showcasing the government’s commitment to uplifting tribal communities.

Speaking on the importance of inclusive development, the Prime Minister emphasized the goal of PM-JANMAN to provide pucca houses to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). He detailed the direct transfer of funds to tribal beneficiaries for dignified living conditions, including electricity, gas, water, and sanitation facilities. The Prime Minister assured that these one lakh beneficiaries are just the beginning, with the government aiming to cover every deserving candidate.

Recounting his long association with tribal communities, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformation brought about by PM-JANMAN Maha Abhiyan. He credited President Smt. Droupadi Murmu for guidance and emphasized the need for schemes to go beyond paper and reach the real beneficiaries. The Prime Minister cited examples of changes in rules for schemes like PM Gram Sadak Yojana, mobile medical units, solar power connections, and fast internet access through new mobile towers.

The Prime Minister addressed various aspects of tribal welfare, including food security through the extended free ration scheme, plans for centers providing multiple facilities for vulnerable tribal groups, creation of hostels for tribal youth, and the establishment of new Van Dhan Kendras. He stressed the significance of ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ vehicles connecting people with government schemes, highlighting the Aspirational District Program’s positive impact on tribal communities.

Touching upon health issues, the Prime Minister discussed the government’s efforts to tackle sickle cell anemia and the testing of more than 40 lakh people in the last two months. He highlighted the substantial increase in the budget for schemes related to Scheduled Tribes, including scholarships and the construction of over 500 new Eklavya Model Schools in the last decade.

Background

In line with the Prime Minister’s efforts towards the vision of Antyodaya to empower the last person at the last mile, PM-JANMAN was launched for the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) on 15th November 2023, on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

PM-JANMAN, with a budget of approximately Rs 24,000 crores focuses on 11 critical interventions through 9 Ministries and is aimed to improve socio-economic conditions of the PVTGs by saturating PVTG households and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, electricity, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.