The second phase of the Mukhya Mantri Janajati Jeevika Mission (MMJJM 2.0), a ₹2,995-crore initiative that aims to improve livelihoods and income opportunities for eight lakh tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) households throughout the state over the next five years, was approved by the Odisha Cabinet on Saturday. With complete financial backing from the state government, the ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department’s main project would be carried out from 2026–2027 to 2030–2031. The initiative will be extended to 19 districts, encompassing 20 Micro Project Areas, 23 Integrated Tribal Development Agencies, and 134 Tribal Sub-Plan and Micro Project Area blocks.
MMJJM 2.0 expands upon the mission’s initial phase, which affects over 1.5 lakh tribal households and is presently being implemented in 13 districts. By including all PVTG families in the state, the new phase seeks to significantly expand its reach while bolstering livelihood options in both the agricultural and non-farm sectors. Through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, qualified households would receive ₹30,000 in two installments as part of the scheme. A more adaptable and need-based strategy will be made possible by beneficiaries’ freedom to choose livelihood activities that fit local resources, market demand, and personal interests.
Agriculture, horticulture, raising livestock, fisheries, sericulture, forest-based livelihoods, value addition of non-timber forest produce, handlooms, handicrafts, traditional arts, and rural entrepreneurship are among activities that the mission will promote. In order to support the rural livelihood ecosystem, it also envisions investments in irrigation facilities, storage, processing, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing networks. Additionally, the Cabinet approved particular initiatives for PVTG communities, such as crèche facilities in PVTG habitations and nutritional support for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. A ₹500 crore Flexi Fund has been set aside to use a bottom-up planning method to fill important infrastructure shortages in PVTG settlements.
The government claims that MMJJM 2.0 would boost household incomes, support scientific agricultural methods, fortify community institutions, and advance inclusive and sustainable economic development in the tribal areas of Odisha.
