Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)
Why in news?
The Ministry of Tourism approved homestay development projects under PM-JUGA in five states/UTs—Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir—during FY 2025-26 as part of the Swadesh Darshan sub-scheme.
About PMJUGA
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in September 2024 with a massive outlay of ₹79,156 crore to uplift tribal communities by saturating development in over 63,000 tribal-majority villages across India. It aims to benefit more than 5 crore tribal people by improving education, healthcare, nutrition, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Key Features of PMJUGA
- Launch & Approval
- Approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024.
- Announced in the Union Budget 2024–25.
- Budget & Funding
- Total Outlay: ₹79,156 crore.
- Central Share: ₹56,333 crore.
- State Share: ₹22,823 crore.
- Coverage
- Villages: ~63,000 tribal-majority villages.
- Beneficiaries: Over 5 crore tribal people.
- Geographic Reach: 549 districts, 2,740 blocks across 30 States/UTs.
Objectives
- Saturation Approach: Ensure every tribal family in target villages receives benefits.
- Socio-Economic Development: Improve access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities.
- Integration with Existing Schemes: Links with Poshan Abhiyan, Forest Rights Act (2006), Swadesh Darshan, Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, and initiatives against sickle cell disease.
- Infrastructure Development: Focus on roads, electricity, clean drinking water, and digital connectivity.
Importance
- Tribal Population Context: India’s Scheduled Tribe population is 10.45 crore (2011 Census), about 8.6% of the total population.
- Challenges: Many tribal communities live in remote areas with limited access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
- Policy Evolution: Builds on earlier efforts like the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), but with stronger saturation and accountability mechanisms.
Potential Impact
| Area of Focus |
Expected Benefits |
| Healthcare |
Better immunisation, tackling sickle cell disease, improved health infrastructure |
| Education |
Enhanced school access, scholarships, digital learning |
| Nutrition |
Integration with Poshan Abhiyan for maternal & child health |
| Livelihoods |
Skill development, self-help groups, entrepreneurship support |
| Infrastructure |
Roads, electricity, clean water, housing, digital connectivity |
Risks & Challenges
- Implementation Complexity: Covering 63,000 villages across diverse geographies requires strong coordination.
- Monitoring & Accountability: Ensuring saturation without leakages or duplication.
- Local Adaptation: Tribal customs and cultural practices must be respected while implementing schemes.
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