About the scheme:
- The Van Dhan Scheme aims at the economic development of tribals collecting minor forest products by helping them sell these products through value addition.
- The idea is to set up tribal community-owned Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Clusters in forest tribal Districts and turn the tribal into entrepreneurs.
- The scheme aims at economic development for MFP [minor forest product] gatherers who are primarily members of scheduled tribes.
- MFP includes all non-timber forest produce of plant origin and includes bamboo, canes, fodder, leaves, gums, wax, dyes, resins, and many forms of food including nuts, wild fruits, honey, lac, and tusser, etc.
- The scheme also includes a tech part, as it will transform 5 crore tribal entrepreneurs by capacity building and imparting entrepreneurship skills in partnership with IITs and IIMs.
- Nodal Department: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Also, check out: PM VISHWAKARMA SCHEME