BJP’s Mission to Empower Tribal Communities with Rs 24,000 Crore Initiative

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has embarked on a significant initiative to uplift and empower Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across the country with a Rs 24,000 crore development mission. This ambitious endeavour, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary on November 15, 2023, aims to address the socio-economic and cultural disparities faced by these communities.

Significance of Tribal Vote Bank:

Recognizing the importance of tribal votes in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has prioritized the development of PVTGs. The tribal population constitutes approximately 9% of India’s total population, with a substantial presence in several key states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

Countering Opposition’s OBC Mission:

To counter the opposition’s focus on the Other Backward Classes (OBC) vote bank, the BJP has initiated this mission to strengthen its position among tribal communities. The provision of basic amenities such as roads, electricity, housing, clean water, education, healthcare, nutrition, and employment opportunities will play a pivotal role in improving the lives of PVTGs.

Objectives of the Mission:

The primary objective of the Rs 24,000 crore mission is to enhance the living standards of PVTGs and integrate them seamlessly into the mainstream of society. The initiative will focus on the following areas:

1. Education: Enhancing access to quality education and vocational training programs to equip PVTGs with skills and knowledge for employment opportunities.

2. Health: Improving healthcare infrastructure and facilities to address the specific health needs of PVTGs, including maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.

3. Employment: Generating employment opportunities in sectors that align with the traditional skills and practices of PVTGs, while also promoting entrepreneurship and skill development.

4. Infrastructure: Developing basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply in remote tribal areas to improve connectivity and living standards.

5. Culture: Preserving and promoting tribal culture and traditions, ensuring their unique identities are respected and celebrated.

Eye on 2024 Lok Sabha Elections:

The BJP’s mission to empower tribal communities is not merely a philanthropic endeavour; it also serves as a strategic move to strengthen its position among the tribal vote bank in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. By addressing the socio-economic and cultural needs of PVTGs, the BJP hopes to gain their trust and support in the upcoming elections.

The Rs 24,000 Crore Mission for Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

On November 15, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a landmark initiative to uplift and empower Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across the country with a Rs 24,000 crore development mission. This ambitious endeavour aims to address the socio-economic and cultural disparities faced by these communities, which are considered to be the most marginalized and underserved sections of the tribal population.

The mission aims to improve the living standards of PVTGs by providing them with access to basic amenities such as roads, electricity, housing, clean water, education, healthcare, nutrition, and employment opportunities. It also aims to preserve and promote tribal culture and traditions.

Key Benefits of the Scheme:

1. Education and Skills Development: The scheme will focus on providing quality education and vocational training to PVTGs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required for employment opportunities.

2. Healthcare and Nutrition: The scheme will strengthen healthcare infrastructure and facilities in tribal areas, addressing the specific health needs of PVTGs, including maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.

3. Employment Generation: The scheme will focus on generating employment opportunities in sectors that align with the traditional skills and practices of PVTGs, while also promoting entrepreneurship and skill development.

4. Infrastructure Development: The scheme will invest in developing basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply in remote tribal areas to improve connectivity and living standards.

5. Culture Preservation: The scheme will support the preservation and promotion of tribal culture and traditions, ensuring that their unique identities are respected and celebrated.

Targeted Implementation:

The Rs 24,000 crore mission will be implemented through nine ministries under existing welfare programs covering rural roads, rural housing, and drinking water. Some planning norms will be relaxed to cover these remote settlements.

Impact on Tribal Communities:

The Rs 24,000 crore mission has the potential to significantly impact the lives of millions of tribal individuals, particularly those belonging to PVTGs. By addressing their educational, health, employment, infrastructure, and cultural needs, the mission aims to empower tribal communities and integrate them into the mainstream of Indian society.

BJP’s Commitment to Tribal Development:

The launch of this mission reflects the BJP’s unwavering commitment to the development of tribal communities. Over the past two decades, the BJP has taken several initiatives to uplift tribals, including:

• Rs 24,000 crore Mission for Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

• Amendment to the Scheduled Tribes (Development and Administration of Scheduled Areas) Act, 1956

• Increase in the budget of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

• Continuous engagement with tribal leaders and communities

• Launch of various welfare schemes and programs specifically tailored to the needs of tribals

Political Implications:

The BJP’s focus on tribal development is also driven by political considerations, with tribal voters constituting about 8% of India’s total voter list and holding significant sway in several key states, particularly in the Hindi belt. By addressing the concerns of tribal communities and enhancing their living standards, the BJP hopes to gain their support in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.