Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

• Originally named the PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA), is an umbrella scheme to implement existing schemes across 63,000 Scheduled Tribe-majority villages.
  • Dharti Aaba refers to Birsa Munda, a 19th-century tribal leader and anti-colonial icon from Jharkhand. 
• The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aims to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood through 25 interventions implemented by various 17 Ministries and Departments of the Government of India.

What are Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)?

• EMRS is a scheme for making model residential schools for Scheduled Tribes (STs) across India. It started in the year 1997-98. Its nodal ministry is the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
  • These schools are being developed to provide quality education to tribal students, focusing on academic as well as overall development. 
  • The EMR Schools generally follow the CBSE curriculum. 
• The scheme aims to build schools similar to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas, with a focus on state-of-the-art facilities for preserving local art and culture, as well as providing training in sports and skill development.

What is Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)? 

• PM-JANMAN was launched on 15th November 2023, on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas,  to improve the socio-economic welfare of PVTGs. 
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the State governments and the PVTGs communities.
  • It encompasses various sectors, including safe housing under the PM-Awas Scheme, access to clean drinking water, improved healthcare, education, nutrition, road and telecommunications connectivity, as well as opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. 
• The plan also includes the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for trading in forest produce, off-grid solar power systems for 1 lakh households, and solar street lights. 
• The scheme is expected to enhance the quality of life and well-being of the PVTGs, by addressing their multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion, and by recognizing and valuing their unique and valuable contribution to national and global development. 

Socio-Economic Conditions of Tribals in India

Human Capital Profile

• Education: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report (2021-2022) reveals that literacy rate for STs increased to 72.1%. 
  • While 35% tribal people had attained primary education, less than 2% had received higher education. 
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): 
    • Upper Primary level: Increased 91.3 (2013-14) to 98 (2021-22) 
    • Higher education level: Increased from 13.7 (2014-15) to 18.9 (2020-21).
• Health: Life Expectancy at birth: 63.9 years, as against 67 years for general population. 
  • Percentage of Underweight: Under age five years has declined from 54.5 in 2005-06 to 45.3 in 2015-16.
  • Institutional Delivery: Increased from 17.7% (2005-06) to 82.3 % (2019-21). 
  • Infant Mortality Rate: Declined from 62.1 (2005-06) to 41.6 in 2019-21.
  • Face Triple Burden of Diseases: Malnutrition and communicable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases like cancer, hypertension and diabetes, and mental illnesses, especially addiction.
    • Malnutrition: The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight has reduced from 43.8%, 27.4% and 45.3% respectively in NFHS-4 to 40.9%, 23.2% and 39.5% respectively under NFHS-5.
    • Estimated prevalence of TB (per 100,000) was 703 cases against 256 in non-tribal population.
  • Genetic Disorders: The prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is prevalent in 1 in 86 births. Other prevalent genetic disorders include thalassemia and G6PD deficiency. 
• Infrastructure: At the all-India level, there is a shortfall of 6,796 Sub-Centres, 1,267 primary health centres, and 309 Community Health Centres in tribal areas as of March 31, 2015.

Demographic Profile

• Population:  10.45 crore (8.6%) as per 2011 census including 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), living mostly in remote and hard-to-reach areas. 
• Socio-Economic Status: Over two-thirds of tribals are working in primary sector.
  • Overall, 40.6% ST population is below poverty line. 
• Access to Amenities: 44% of rural households in ST areas are yet to get tap water connection.  
• Demography: Almost 90% lives in rural, hilly and forested areas.
  • Fertility:  Fertility rate is declining.
    • Total Fertility Rate: 2.5, close to replacement level of 2.1. 
  • Sex Ratio: At 990 per 1000 males, sex ratio among STs is better than all India average of 933.
    • Child Sex Ratio: Declined from 972 in 2001 to 957 in 2011.