Lack of Development in Jharkhand’s Khunti

• 14 May 2024

Why in News?

In Jharkhand’s Khunti, Singhbhum and Lohardaga, amidst Lok sabha elections 2024, many Adivasi voters are unhappy about the lack of development and basic amenities.

Key Points

• In the birthplace of Adivasi icon Birsa Munda, Ulihatu – a village in the Khunti Lok Sabha constituency of Jharkhand there is a dissatisfaction among the residents.
  • Due to lack of development and basic amenities, there is seemingly a lack of political enthusiasm in the area and there is no open support for any party.
• In recent years, there has been visible development in the village, including new infrastructure such as tarred roads, schools, and water tanks.
  • The Prime Minister visited and launched the Rs 24,000 crore Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Development Mission from here.
  • The Central government honored Birsa Munda's birth anniversary as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas'.

Birsa Munda

• He was born on 15^th November 1875. He belonged to the Munda tribe.
• He spearheaded an Indian tribal religious Millenarian movement during British rule in the late 19^th century across the tribal belt of modern-day Jharkhand and Bihar.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Development Mission

• The PM-PVTG Development Mission program aims to improve the socio-economic status of Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
  • For this, availability of Rs 24000 Crore for Scheduled Tribes has been envisaged in the Union Budget.
• The mission includes providing basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, better access to roads in settlements for backward scheduled tribes.