PRADHAN MANTRI JANJATI ADIVASI NYAYA MAHA ABHIYAN (PM-JANMAN)

The key features of the PM-JANMAN scheme 

• The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 24,104 crore, which is one of the largest Central schemes targeting the tribal community.
• The scheme will be implemented over 10 years, from 2022-23 to 2032-33.
• The scheme will focus on the development of 75 PVTGs, which are the most marginalized tribal communities in India.
• The scheme will adopt an integrated approach to development, covering all aspects of tribal life, including education, health, livelihood, and social security.

The objectives of the PM-JANMAN scheme are to

• Improve the quality of life of tribal communities
• Reduce poverty and inequality among tribal communities
• Promote inclusive growth and development of tribal communities

The initiatives that will be taken under the PM-JANMAN scheme

• The scheme will focus on increasing access to quality education for tribal children. This will be done through the construction of new schools, providing scholarships, and training teachers.
• The scheme will focus on improving the health status of tribal communities. This will be done through the construction of new health facilities, providing free medicines, and training of health workers.
• The scheme will focus on providing sustainable livelihoods to tribal communities. This will be done through the promotion of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and other traditional occupations.
• The scheme will focus on providing social security to tribal communities. This will be done through the provision of pensions, housing, and other assistance.
• The scheme will focus on promoting tribal culture and heritage. It will support tribal art, music, dance, and other cultural activities and focus on empowering tribal women and children.

3. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are a sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India. They are considered to be the most vulnerable among the STs due to their low levels of literacy, education, and economic development. PVTGs are also often isolated from mainstream society and live in remote and inaccessible areas.

Criteria for PVTG identification

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has identified 75 PVTGs in 18 states and one Union Territory (UT). The criteria for identifying PVTGs are as follows:

• Pre-agricultural level of technology
• Stagnant or declining population
• Extremely low level of literacy
• Subsistence level of economy
• Isolated habitat and difficult means of communication

Schedule Tribes (STs)

Scheduled Tribes (STs) are officially recognized indigenous groups in India. They are recognized based on their distinct customs, traditions, languages, and culture. STs are considered to be socially, economically, and educationally backward.

Comparison of PVTGs and STs

4. What are Habitat Rights?

• Habitat rights acknowledgement entails granting communities control over their customary territory, socio-cultural practices, economic means, and protection of biodiversity and ecology.
• These rights, under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, provide a legal framework to safeguard and promote traditional livelihood and ecological knowledge among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• The Forest Rights Act, specifically section 3(1) (e), addresses the rights of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities.
• According to Section 2(h) of FRA, habitat includes areas within reserved and protected forests, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the territory under protection.
• Habitat rights empower PVTGs to protect their land from potentially harmful developmental activities.
• While not absolute ownership, these rights necessitate consent and consultation with the gram sabha for any development, providing an additional layer of legal protection.
• The government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), follows a detailed guideline, primarily from 2014 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), to ascertain what constitutes a habitat.
• Coordination between state-level departments - Forest, Revenue, Tribal, and Panchayati Raj - ensures a comprehensive understanding of tribal culture, traditions, and occupation.

5. Kamar Tribes

• The Kamar tribe is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) that is indigenous to the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
• They primarily reside in the districts of Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, and Kanker.
• The Kamar people are believed to be descendants of the ancient Kamar kingdom, which ruled over the region from the 10th to the 14th centuries.
• The Kamar people are traditionally farmers and forest dwellers. They speak the Kamar language, which belongs to the Dravidian language family.
• The Kamar people have a rich culture and heritage, which is reflected in their music, dance, and art.
• The consultation for granting habitat rights to PVTGs in Chhattisgarh began in December 2021, with the Kamar tribes as a pilot project.
• The procedure is recognized as long and tedious, yet crucial for understanding the reserved and introverted nature of PVTG communities.
• Out of the 26,622 Kamar tribe population, 22 Para/Tola (hamlets) in the Magarlod sub-region of Dhamtari district have received habitat rights, marking progress in recognizing and preserving tribal territories.