Housing for PVTGs | 26 Dec 2023

For Prelims: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

For Mains: Sustainable Livelihoods For PVTGs, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Centre has initiated a comprehensive survey and registration process to identify eligible beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) among 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 states and Union Territories.

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

  • PM JANMAN, led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, seeks to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream through a comprehensive scheme. In collaboration with states and PVTG communities, the initiative focuses on 11 key interventions across sectors, including housing, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities.
  • The scheme will be overseen by 9 line Ministries, ensuring the implementation of existing schemes in villages inhabited by PVTGs.
  • This initiative was announced by the Prime Minister on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2023 (15th November).

What is Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G)?

  • About:
    • It is a flagship program of the Central Government. It was launched on April 1, 2016, by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
    • The scheme's goal is to provide affordable housing for the rural poor. This includes providing basic amenities and hygienic kitchens to those living in dilapidated and kutcha houses.
    • The deadline for completion of 2.95 crore houses under PMAY-G is 31st March, 2024.
  • Beneficiaries:
    • People belonging to SCs/STs, PVTGs, freed bonded labourers and non-SC/ST categories, widows or next-of-kin of defence personnel killed in action, ex-servicemen and retired members of the paramilitary forces, disabled persons and minorities.
  • Cost Sharing:
    • The cost of unit assistance is shared between Central and State Governments in the ratio of 60:40 in plain areas and 90:10 for North Eastern and hilly states.
  • Features:
    • The unit cost for PMAY-G houses in PVTGs has been increased to Rs 2 lakh, compared to Rs 1.2 lakh in plain areas and Rs 1.30 lakh in hilly areas.
    • PMAY-G beneficiaries can avail additional financial assistance of Rs 12,500 for toilet construction and 90 days of work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme(NREGS), taking the total benefit to Rs 2.39 lakh.

What are the PVTGs of India?

  • Of the 75 PVTGs, the maximum 13 are in Odisha, followed by 12 in Andhra Pradesh

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q.1 Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)

  1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
  2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
  3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
  4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4

Ans: C

Mains

Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017)

Q. Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (2016)