In order to transform the lives of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is gearing up to launch the PM-PVTG Development Mission scheme. This groundbreaking initiative, dedicated to the holistic development of approximately 28 lakh people from PVTGs, is slated to be unveiled on November 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the iconic tribal leader, Birsa Munda.
The special program, marking Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, will witness the Prime Minister’s visit to Ulihatu Village in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, the birthplace of Birsa Munda, making him the first Prime Minister to step foot in the village. Last year’s Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas saw President Droupadi Murmu making the first-ever visit by a President to Ulihatu Village. This year, Prime Minister Modi is set to etch his name in history by becoming the first Prime Minister to visit the village as per the information provided by government officials. The launch of the PM-PVTG Development Mission reflects the government’s commitment to uplift the marginalised tribal communities, bringing about a positive change in their socio-economic landscape.
It is historical that members of 75 PVTG communities were invited by Hon. President to Rashtrapati Bhawan, and that Hon. Speaker addressed them in Central Hall of Parliament. In the budget of 2023, the Govt. announced a mission (PM-PVTG) for the development of PVTGs.
— Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India (@TribalAffairsIn) June 14, 2023
Comprehensive Development Agenda:
The PM-PVTG Development Mission is not a standalone initiative; it forms part of a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by PVTGs. Encompassing over 22,000 remote villages across 18 states and Union territories, this mission is poised to be a catalyst for change. Additionally, the Prime Minister is expected to kick off the “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” from Khunti, aiming to saturate flagship government schemes across the nation.
This yatra, starting in tribal community districts, aims to cover all districts by January 2024. The visit to Jharkhand is not just about launching the PM-PVTG Development Mission; it’s a holistic approach to address various sectors. Prime Minister Modi will release the 15th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for projects valued at ₹7,200 crore.
These projects span crucial sectors such as rail, road, education, coal, petroleum, and natural gas, underscoring the government’s commitment to comprehensive development.
Govt announced a budget of Rs. 15,000 cr for developing and uplifting tribal groups under PM-PVTG (Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Group).
— EasyGov (@EasyGov) February 3, 2023
To be spent on basic necessities; health, housing, water, education, roads & telecom.
Let's strive for zero error of exclusion with #EasyGov! pic.twitter.com/SfREipxP2b
Coordinated Efforts for Lasting Impact
Under the PM-PVTG Development Mission, about 11 interventions, including the PM-Gram Sadak Yojana, PM-Gram Awaas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission, will be implemented in these target villages through the coordinated efforts of nine ministries. This approach ensures a synergistic response to the immediate needs of PVTG populations, as identified by officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs during their extensive visits to PVTG villages over the past six months.
The “Vikisit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” will not only disseminate information but also showcase the key features of 20 schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, and others. Information will be delivered through audio-visuals, brochures, pamphlets, and regional languages, ensuring effective communication in both rural and urban areas.
People-Centric Engagement:
The yatra will facilitate people-centric engagement, collecting feedback about the schemes through “Kahani Meri Zubani” and encouraging participation in on-the-spot quiz competitions. The live telecast of Prime Minister Mann Ki Baat and a virtual question-and-answer session will further enhance the interaction, fostering a sense of inclusivity and transparency. To ensure immediate impact, on-the-spot services such as health camps, Aadhar enrollment, and My BHARAT volunteer enrollment will be provided during the yatra. The focus on agriculture activities, including drone demonstrations and interactions with progressive farmers on soil health cards and natural farming, reflects a commitment to sustainable development.
Opposition Questions Government’s Communication Strategy
Amidst the anticipation surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of the PM-PVTG Development Mission and the “Vikisit Bharat Sankalp Yatra,” opposition voices have raised concerns. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government, suggesting that all government entities, agencies, and departments have become official propagators, or “Pracharaks,” for the Modi administration.
For the Modi Govt, all agencies, institutions, arms, wings, and departments of the government are now officially 'Pracharaks' !
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) October 22, 2023
In view of protecting our democracy and our Constitution, it is imperative that the orders which would lead to the politicising of Bureaucracy and our… pic.twitter.com/t9hq0N4Ro4
Kharge contended that involving senior officers in marketing activities could hinder the governance of the country, foreseeing potential stagnation within the next six months. Similarly, Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of the Communist Party, decried what he sees as an unprecedented misuse of government machinery. According to Yechury, every department is allegedly compelled to propagate the achievements of the Modi government. This criticism reflects a broader political debate on the perceived balance between administrative efficiency and governmental self-promotion. As the government pushes forward with its ambitious tribal development mission, it faces scrutiny and skepticism from political adversaries regarding the methods employed to communicate its initiatives to the public.
The PM-PVTG Development Mission, set to launch on November 15, signifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to holistic tribal empowerment. Targeting 28 lakh people from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the initiative integrates with a comprehensive development agenda covering 22,000 villages across 18 states. The “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” further amplifies the government’s outreach, aiming to saturate flagship schemes nationwide. Coordinated efforts across ministries underscore a synergistic approach, while people-centric engagement strategies ensure effective communication. However, amidst the anticipation, opposition leaders criticise the government’s communication strategy, expressing concerns about the perceived blending of official entities with political propaganda.
