Daily Current Affairs : 26-December-2023
The Indian government has taken a significant step toward the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes, particularly those in the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), through the initiation of a survey and registration process under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
Scheduled Tribes in India: Characteristics and Government Initiatives:
- According to the 2011 Census, Scheduled Tribes constitute 8.6% of India’s population, with 104 million individuals.
- The tribes, spread across the country, exhibit primitive traits, geographical isolation, distinct cultures, and economic backwardness.
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, established in 1999, focuses on the integrated socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes through a three-pronged strategy: social empowerment, economic empowerment, and social justice.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG): Characteristics and Government Initiatives:
- PVTGs, identified as the most vulnerable among tribal communities, face resource allocation disparities.
- Currently, there are 75 PVTGs, with stagnant or declining populations, pre-agricultural technology, extremely low literacy levels, and subsistence-level economies.
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees the ‘Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)’ scheme, aiming at comprehensive socio-economic development while preserving their distinct culture.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G):
- PMAY-G aims to provide pucca houses with essential amenities to individuals without homes or living in kutcha houses.
- The Ministry of Rural Development is responsible for implementation.
- Beneficiaries are identified through parameters from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, verified by Gram Sabhas.
Implementation and Projects:
- State Governments, under PMAY-G, undertake projects tailored to sectors like education, health, and livelihoods specifically designed for the holistic development of PVTGs.
Financial Aspects:
- In plain areas, the cost is shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Central and State governments, providing Rs. 1.20 lakh of assistance per unit.
- In Himalayan and north-eastern states, the ratio is 90:10, with up to Rs. 1.30 lakh of assistance per unit.
- Union Territories receive 100% financing from the Centre.
Additional Benefits:
- Beneficiaries are entitled to 90/95 person-days of unskilled labor under MGNREGS.
- Assistance for constructing toilets, up to Rs. 12,000, is provided under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) in collaboration with MGNREGS or other schemes.
Electronic Payments and Achievements:
- Payments are made electronically directly to bank accounts or post office accounts linked to Aadhaar.
- Against the target of constructing 2.95 crore houses, States/UTs have sanctioned 2.85 crore houses, with 2.22 crore houses completed as of March 24, 2023.
Important Points:
Scheduled Tribes in India:
- 104 million individuals, 8.6% of India’s population.
- Spread across diverse geographical regions with primitive traits and economic backwardness.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs established in 1999 for integrated socio-economic development.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG):
- 75 PVTGs identified as most vulnerable among tribal communities.
- Characteristics include stagnant populations, pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, and subsistence-level economies.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees ‘Development of PVTGs’ scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G):
- Aims to provide pucca houses with amenities for those without homes or in kutcha houses.
- Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- Beneficiary identification through SECC 2011 data.
Implementation and Projects:
- States undertake projects in education, health, and livelihoods for holistic development.
Financial Aspects:
- Cost-sharing ratios for plain, hilly, and Union Territory areas.
- Union Territories receive 100% financing from the Centre.
Additional Benefits:
- Entitlement to unskilled labor under MGNREGS.
- Assistance for toilet construction under SBM-G.
Electronic Payments and Achievements:
- Payments made directly to Aadhaar-linked accounts.
- States/UTs sanctioned 2.85 crore houses against a target of 2.95 crore, with 2.22 crore completed as of March 24, 2023.
Why In News
The Centre has initiated a comprehensive survey and registration process to identify eligible beneficiaries for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) within 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). This concerted effort aims to ensure housing support for marginalized and vulnerable tribal communities under the PMAY-G scheme, fostering inclusive development and addressing the unique housing needs of these groups.
MCQs about PMAY-G’s Role in Tribal Empowerment
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What is the primary aim of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)?
A. Economic empowerment of urban communities
B. Providing housing support for vulnerable tribal groups
C. Enhancing educational facilities in rural areas
D. Supporting industrial development in hilly regions
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How many Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are currently identified in India?
A. 52
B. 75
C. 104 million
D. 18 states
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What is the primary responsibility of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, established in 1999?
A. Urban development projects
B. Focusing on the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes
C. Implementing agricultural policies
D. Managing cultural heritage sites
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How are beneficiaries identified under PMAY-G?
A. Through political affiliations
B. Random selection from rural areas
C. Parameters from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data
D. Recommendations from local leaders
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