Why is it in the news?
- President has recently approved the implementation of a solar power scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Habitations/Villages under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN).
| PM JANMAN
· The PM JANMAN program involves 11 critical interventions across 9 ministries over a span of 3 years. · It combines Centrally Sponsored Schemes with State Governments/UT Administrations and Central Sector Schemes through line Ministries/Departments. |
Key Components of the Scheme
- Objective: A comprehensive initiative aiming to saturate PVTG households and habitations with essential facilities, including safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, and improved access to education.
- Provides off-grid solar power solutions, including Solar Home Lighting Systems (SHLS) for scattered unelectrified households.
- Solar Mini-grids for clusters of households in PVTG habitation/hamlet.
- Installation of Off-grid Solar power packs with battery banks.
- Respective Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) in PVTG areas are designated to carry out the implementation.
- The scheme is scheduled for implementation from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
- Oversight by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) to ensure effective implementation.
- Vendors responsible for the scheme will establish a helpline number in the local language or the language of the PVTG area to address grievances promptly.
| About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
· Centrally recognized special categories within the Scheduled Tribes (STs). · Initially termed Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) in 1975 and later renamed PVTGs in 2006. · Criteria for identification include a pre-agricultural level of technology, low literacy, economic backwardness, and a declining or stagnant population. · Currently, there are 75 identified PVTGs, for whom this scheme aims to provide sustainable and clean energy solutions, addressing their unique needs and challenges. |
