The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched an ambitious ₹24,000 crore development mission to uplift and empower Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across India. This initiative, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, November 15, 2023, aims to bridge the socio-economic and cultural gaps faced by these marginalized communities.
Significance of the Tribal Vote Bank
Tribal communities constitute approximately 9% of India’s population, making them a crucial demographic in the political landscape, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. Recognizing their importance in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has prioritized tribal development as a core agenda.
Countering the Opposition’s OBC Mission
As a counter-strategy to the opposition’s focus on the Other Backward Classes (OBC) vote bank, the BJP’s tribal development mission seeks to strengthen its foothold among tribal communities. The initiative addresses fundamental issues such as access to roads, electricity, housing, clean water, education, healthcare, nutrition, and employment, thereby improving the quality of life for PVTGs.
Objectives of the ₹24,000 Crore Mission
The development mission is designed to uplift PVTGs and integrate them into the mainstream through targeted interventions in the following areas:
- Education
- Improve access to quality education.
- Provide vocational training to enhance skills for employment.
- Healthcare
- Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and services.
- Focus on maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.
- Employment
- Generate job opportunities aligned with traditional skills.
- Promote entrepreneurship and skill development initiatives.
- Infrastructure Development
- Build roads, provide electricity, and ensure clean water supply in remote tribal areas.
- Cultural Preservation
- Promote and preserve tribal culture and traditions, respecting their unique identities.
Targeted Implementation
The ₹24,000 crore mission will be executed through nine ministries under existing welfare schemes such as rural roads, housing, and drinking water programs. Relaxed planning norms will ensure that the mission effectively addresses the needs of remote tribal settlements.
Impact on Tribal Communities
The mission has the potential to significantly transform the lives of millions of tribal individuals, particularly those belonging to PVTGs. By focusing on education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, and cultural preservation, the initiative seeks to empower tribal communities and help them integrate into mainstream society.
BJP’s Commitment to Tribal Welfare
Over the past two decades, the BJP has launched several initiatives to uplift tribal communities, demonstrating its long-term commitment to their development. Notable efforts include:
- The ₹24,000 crore PVTG mission.
- Amendments to the Scheduled Tribes (Development and Administration of Scheduled Areas) Act, 1956.
- Increased budget allocations for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Welfare schemes tailored to tribal needs.
- Active engagement with tribal leaders and communities.
Political Implications
With tribal voters making up about 8% of India’s electorate and holding significant influence in several states, the BJP’s tribal development agenda also carries substantial political importance. By addressing their socio-economic needs and aspirations, the BJP aims to solidify tribal support in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
