Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

Prime Minister recently launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Jharkhand with an outlay of around Rs 80,000 crore.

The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aims to bring transformative socio-economic development to tribal villages in India. Covering 63,843 villages across 549 districts in 30 States/UTs, the initiative benefits over 5 crore tribal people.

It focuses on closing gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood through 25 interventions coordinated by 17 ministries. With a budget of ₹79,156 crores, the program builds on the success of the PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), which focuses on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Who is Dharti Aaba?

Dharti Aaba is a title given to Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter from India. Born in 1875 in present-day Jharkhand, Birsa Munda played a crucial role in the Munda Rebellion against British colonial rule and the exploitation of tribal communities.

He advocated for the rights of the Adivasi (indigenous) people and fought for their land and cultural identity. His leadership and resistance against oppression earned him the title "Dharti Aaba," meaning "Father of the Earth." His legacy is celebrated in tribal communities across India.

About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups!

PVTGs are the most vulnerable among tribal groups, often overlooked in development funding, leading to a greater need for targeted financial support.

In 1975, the Government of India recognized 52 tribal groups as PVTGs following the Dhebar Commission's recommendations. Currently, there are 75 PVTGs among the 705 Scheduled Tribes, located across 18 states and one Union Territory, according to the 2011 census.

Odisha has the highest population of PVTGs, exceeding 2.5 lakh individuals.