Focus on Tribal Welfare and Electrification
Shri Naik highlighted the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), a flagship initiative aimed at empowering Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Launched on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in November 2023, the scheme seeks to provide basic infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on household electrification.
According to the Minister, around 1.43 lakh PVTG households were identified for electrification under PM-JANMAN. Of these, nearly 1.36 lakh homes have already been electrified, marking approximately 95 percent completion. This milestone has been achieved through coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Power, State Governments, and electricity distribution companies.
Access to reliable electricity has significantly improved education outcomes, healthcare services, and safety in tribal habitations. Beneficiaries noted that children can now study after sunset, healthcare centres function more efficiently, and daily chores have become less laborious.
DA-JGUA: Bridging Development Gaps
The Minister also reviewed progress under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DA-JGUA), launched in October 2024. The initiative focuses on extending development benefits to Scheduled Tribe habitations that have historically remained on the margins.
A central grant of ₹4,203 crore has been sanctioned under DA-JGUA for electrifying more than 2.83 lakh households and over 4,200 public institutions. As of now, around 56,000 households have already been electrified. Special relaxations in cost norms have been introduced to ensure connectivity in remote and previously inaccessible areas.
Shri Naik emphasized that DA-JGUA reflects the government’s resolve to ensure equity in development, leaving no community behind.
PM-KUSUM and the Solar Agriculture Revolution
Highlighting India’s clean energy transition, the Minister underscored the transformative impact of the PM-KUSUM scheme, the world’s largest programme for solarisation of agriculture. The scheme aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on diesel and grid power while enhancing income sustainability.
To date, 10.4 GW of solar capacity has been installed under PM-KUSUM, with more than 21.7 lakh solar pumps deployed nationwide. Over 21 lakh farmers have directly benefited, leading to substantial savings in fuel costs and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Farmers interacting with the Minister shared how solar pumps have provided uninterrupted irrigation, improved crop productivity, and reduced operational expenses.
Affordable Solar Power for Households
Shri Naik also briefly referred to the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, noting its role in enabling households to adopt rooftop solar solutions. The scheme aims to make electricity affordable while promoting energy self-reliance at the household level.
By reducing electricity bills and encouraging renewable energy adoption, the initiative complements the government’s broader climate and sustainability goals.
Beneficiary-Centric Governance
A total of 249 beneficiaries from 15 states have been invited for the Republic Day celebrations as part of a three-day programme in Delhi. The initiative reflects the government’s emphasis on listening to citizen feedback and showcasing the real-world impact of public policies.
Concluding the interaction, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik reiterated that beneficiary feedback remains central to policy refinement. He stressed that the government is committed to ensuring that the fruits of development reach every citizen, particularly those living in the country’s most remote regions.
