Raipur: Remote forest regions and tribal villages in Chhattisgarh are witnessing significant changes under the PM-JANMAN scheme, a flagship initiative of the Central Government aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
With a focus on development, trust and security, the Chhattisgarh government is working to extend essential facilities to communities that have remained geographically isolated and underserved for decades. Roads, housing, healthcare, education, electricity and drinking water facilities are being expanded to improve the quality of life in these areas.
The initiative aims not only to develop physical infrastructure but also to ensure that government welfare schemes reach eligible tribal families directly.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2023, PM-JANMAN is being implemented in Chhattisgarh under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The state has also received the first prize from President Droupadi Murmu for its outstanding performance in implementing the initiative, according to the information shared by the state government.
The progress of the scheme is being highlighted ahead of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, observed on November 15, as an example of efforts to improve living conditions and provide equal development opportunities to tribal communities.
What Is the PM-JANMAN Scheme?
PM-JANMAN stands for Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyaan. It is a special Central Government initiative launched in November 2023 to promote the socio-economic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and connect them with mainstream development.
The scheme focuses on providing essential facilities and improving living conditions in remote and underserved tribal settlements.
Its major objectives include:
- Providing permanent and safe housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
- Ensuring access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
- Improving educational facilities, including schools and hostels.
- Expanding healthcare services and mobile medical units.
- Improving nutrition through Anganwadi centres.
- Developing all-weather roads and telecommunication connectivity.
- Providing electricity to households without power connections.
- Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and skill development facilities, including Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
The initiative aims to bridge infrastructure gaps and ensure that vulnerable tribal families receive the benefits of government welfare programmes.
Read also: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai Announces 77 Development Projects Worth Rs 465.40 Crore in Mungeli
Special Focus on PVTG Communities in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is home to several tribal communities, including Gond, Muria, Maria, Dhurva, Halba, Bhatra, Dorla, Dandami Maria, Korwa, Oraon, Kanwar, Binjwar and Manjhi.
Among these, five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) have been identified for focused development interventions in the state:
- Baiga
- Pahadi Korwa
- Birhor
- Kamar
- Abujhmadia
The government is prioritising these communities under PM-JANMAN by identifying their settlements and ensuring that eligible families who have not received the benefits of welfare schemes are covered.
The objective is to overcome geographical and social barriers that have historically limited access to essential services in remote forest regions.
24,218 Houses Completed Under PM-JANMAN in Chhattisgarh
Providing permanent housing is one of the major achievements of the scheme in Chhattisgarh.
According to the figures shared by the state government, 34,691 houses have been approved for PVTG families, of which 24,218 houses have been completed. This represents approximately 69% of the approved houses.
The construction of permanent houses is helping families move away from temporary shelters and traditional huts towards safer and more secure living conditions.
Road connectivity has also improved significantly under the initiative.
A total of 2,901 kilometres of roads have been approved to connect remote villages with main roads and markets. Of this, 1,833 kilometres of road construction has been completed.
These roads are expected to improve access to schools, hospitals, markets and employment opportunities while making the delivery of government services easier.
The government is also promoting skill development to help tribal youth access employment and self-employment opportunities.
Electricity and Drinking Water Facilities Expanded in Tribal Villages
Access to electricity and safe drinking water is another major priority under PM-JANMAN.
The state government is extending electricity connections to remote tribal settlements through solar power systems and on-grid electricity infrastructure. New tower feeders and transformers are also being installed to improve power supply.
According to the reported progress:
- 7,349 households have achieved 100% off-grid electrification.
- Out of 1,490 targeted villages, 940 villages have achieved complete coverage under the electricity-related initiative.
- Under drinking water initiatives, 510 out of 1,425 targeted villages have achieved 100% coverage.
Through the Jal Jeevan Mission, piped drinking water is being provided to thousands of PVTG households.
This is expected to reduce the dependence of tribal families on distant water sources and unsafe traditional sources of drinking water.
Healthcare and Nutrition Services Reaching Remote Tribal Areas
Improving healthcare and nutrition is another important component of the PM-JANMAN initiative.
Special campaigns are being conducted to screen tribal communities for sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that requires early identification and proper healthcare support.
The government is also providing iron and folic acid supplements to different age groups and pregnant women to address anaemia and improve nutritional health.
Other key initiatives include:
- Regular health check-ups for children to prevent malnutrition.
- Proper healthcare and nutritional support for pregnant and lactating women.
- Distribution of supplementary nutrition to children and mothers.
- Promotion of nutrition gardens and awareness about balanced diets.
- Strengthening Anganwadi centres and healthcare services.
- Providing medical assistance through mobile healthcare facilities.
To improve access to healthcare in remote settlements, 61 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) are currently operational. These units visit tribal habitations and provide medical services and medicines closer to people’s homes.
Additionally, all 191 approved Anganwadi centres are currently functioning, helping strengthen nutrition and child development services in these areas.
16 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras Established to Strengthen Tribal Livelihoods
The PM-JANMAN initiative also focuses on improving the economic condition of PVTG communities by strengthening traditional livelihood activities and creating new income opportunities.
Many tribal families depend on agriculture and Minor Forest Produce (MFP), including honey, mahua, tendu leaves and medicinal herbs.
To improve their income, the government is working to connect forest produce collectors and tribal entrepreneurs with wider markets.
Under the initiative, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are being established to promote entrepreneurship, skill development and value addition to locally available forest products.
In Chhattisgarh:
- 16 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been established.
- Training is being provided to tribal community members in entrepreneurship and value addition.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based procurement of notified minor forest produce is being promoted under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM).
These initiatives aim to reduce dependence on middlemen and help tribal communities receive better returns from their traditional livelihood activities.
The government is also encouraging the marketing of value-added forest products through wider domestic and digital markets, including e-commerce platforms.
135 Mobile Tower Sites Approved to Improve Digital Connectivity
Digital connectivity is emerging as another important area of development in remote tribal regions.
The government is installing mobile towers in geographically isolated villages to improve communication and provide access to digital services.
Under the initiative, 135 mobile tower sites have been approved, of which work has started at 37 sites.
In addition, the government is working on establishing:
- 51 multipurpose centres.
- 40 hostels.
Improved mobile and internet connectivity will help tribal residents access Digital India services, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), digital banking and other online government facilities.
It will also improve emergency communication and create opportunities for tribal artisans and forest produce collectors to promote their products through digital platforms.
PM-JANMAN to Connect Remote Tribal Communities with Mainstream Development
The PM-JANMAN scheme is bringing changes beyond the construction of houses and roads in Chhattisgarh’s remote tribal regions.
By expanding access to electricity, drinking water, healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities and digital services, the initiative aims to improve the overall quality of life of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
The programme also seeks to ensure that tribal communities retain their cultural identity while gaining access to modern facilities and economic opportunities.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Calls Chhattisgarh a Leading State in PM-JANMAN Implementation
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that Chhattisgarh has emerged as the country’s leading state in the effective implementation of the PM-JANMAN scheme.
He emphasised that bringing smiles to the faces of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups is a major achievement of good governance.
The Chief Minister said that with improvements in electricity, drinking water, roads and healthcare, tribal communities in Chhattisgarh are moving towards new opportunities and better living conditions.
The state government’s approach focuses on ensuring that development reaches even the most remote settlements and that vulnerable tribal families receive the benefits of welfare schemes.With Janjatiya Gaurav Divas being observed on November 15, the progress under PM-JANMAN highlights the ongoing efforts to promote inclusive development and improve the lives of tribal communities across Chhattisgarh.
Read also: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai to Inaugurate and Launch Projects Worth ₹465 Crore in Mungeli
