The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) hosted a National Conference of District Magistrates at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on Tuesday, to accelerate the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN).
Launched on November 15, 2023, to commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the initiative seeks to enhance the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across the country.
With a ₹24,000 crore budget allocated over three years (2023-2026), PM JANMAN aims to bridge developmental gaps in tribal areas by providing essential services, including housing, healthcare, education, clean drinking water, road connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The program is a collaborative effort involving nine Ministries and Departments, with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs serving as the nodal body.
The conference brought together District Magistrates and their teams from 88 districts across 18 states. Discussions centered on six key focus areas: housing, road connectivity, drinking water, operationalization of Anganwadis, establishment of school hostels, and development of Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs).
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, in his inaugural address, highlighted the vital role of District Magistrates as nodal officers in ensuring the effective implementation of PM JANMAN. He urged them to prioritize the active participation of tribal communities to fulfill vision of Viksit Bharat. Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey emphasized the importance of efficient execution.
The conference sessions were organized around thematic discussions moderated by representatives from various Ministries. Topics included the progress of housing construction under rural development schemes, improvements in road connectivity, ensuring reliable drinking water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission, operationalizing Anganwadi Centres for early childhood care, establishing school hostels, and developing Multi-Purpose Centres to serve PVTG communities. The scaling up of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) to promote tribal livelihoods was also a key focus.
High-performing districts shared their best practices, offering valuable insights for replication in other regions. The conference concluded with the presentation of consolidated action plans and a renewed commitment to bridging the policy-to-grassroots gap.
