Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The PM-Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA), a comprehensive initiative aimed at the holistic development of tribal tribes throughout the nation, has been launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 10,85,661 tribal families spread across 7,667 villages in 232 blocks of 27 districts in Odisha will greatly benefit from this project. Nityananda Gond, the minister for ST, SC Development, and M&BCW in Odisha, thanked the prime minister for his efforts to improve the lot of the state’s tribal people.
He pointed out that of the total population of Odisha, 22.85% is comprised of tribal populations, which are made up of 64 different tribes, 13 of which are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The program is anticipated to close gaps in these communities’ financial empowerment, health, education, and infrastructure. Minister Gond emphasized that to guarantee that tribal people receive basic amenities and to promote a healthy living environment, the Union and State Governments are collaborating. He applauded the PM-JUGA effort, saying it will bring about major changes in the state’s tribal areas by bringing isolated tribal populations into the mainstream and giving them economic power. The four main objectives of the PM-JUGA campaign are to create infrastructure, empower people financially, provide all students with a quality education, and ensure that aging in dignity is achieved through better healthcare. The initiative addresses critical challenges in tribal areas by focusing on these areas over the next five years.
The Government of India launched PM-JUGA to address challenges related to infrastructure, education, health, and livelihoods in tribal regions, building on the success of the PM-JANMAN Yojana. The effort, which the Development Action Plan will sponsor for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), would involve 25 activities carried out by 17 ministries and departments. On September 18, 2024, under the direction of Prime Minister Modi, the Union Cabinet authorized the PM-JUGA, which has a total budget of Rs 79,156 crore (which includes Rs 22,823 crore from the states and Rs 56,333 crore as the government share).
The goal of this extensive program is to raise the socioeconomic standing of tribal families by providing saturation coverage in villages with a tribal majority and aspirational regions. According to the 2024–25 Budget, PM-JUGA will assist over 5 crore indigenous people by including around 63,000 communities. Throughout 30 states and union territories, the program will cover 2,740 blocks and 549 districts.
