Saturation of schemes for PVTGs is still low in Rayagada: Collector directs officers to expedite the execution
Rayagada(Badal Tah): There are two types of Primarily Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) in Rayagada district mainly Dangaria Kandha & Lanjia Soura. A comprehensive review meeting on Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan(PM-JANMAN) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan(DA-JGUA) was held under the chairmanship of the Rayagada Collector Parul Patawari. It was attended by, among others, the Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, AkshayKumar Khemundu, PA-ITDA Rayagada Chandra Kant Majhi, PA-ITDA Gunupur Ajay Kumar Pradhan and officers of various line departments. The objective of the meeting was to assess the progress of the schemes under PM-JANMAN and DA-JGUA and to ensure full realisation of the benefits, especially in the PVTG sector. PM JANMAN is a central government initiative focused on improving the socio-economic conditions of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. It aims to bridge gaps in health, education, and livelihoods, and improve basic infrastructure for these communities. The mission focuses on 11 critical interventions through nine line ministries, including providing basic amenities, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and enhancing access to education, health, and skill development. DA-JGUA is a scheme launched by the Prime Minister of India aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities, particularly in tribal villages. Abhiyan aims at saturation of tribal majority villages in Aspirational Districts through coordinated efforts of 17 ministries. Rayagada come under Aspirational Districts. The PA-ITDA, Rayagada outlined the main objectives of the programme, which focused on the overall development of PVTG communities. The major areas of discussion included housing, infrastructure, health, education, livelihood and rights coverage. Rural housing was given priority. During presentation it came to limelight that out of 7,370 sanctioned houses for PVTGs, only 2,450 have been completed leading to 33% realisation. Collector directed all the concerned officers to ensure that construction materials reach remote areas before the monsoon to complete the remaining houses in mission mode. Coordination among BDOs, Tehsildars and Special Officers of Micro Projects was emphasized. In the area of water connectivity, the Executive Engineer of RWSS reported that out of 235 settlements, 89 settlements have got piped water supply leading to 37 % realization. The Collector directed the BDOs to verify and issue certificates of completion and directed RWSS to expedite the progress. For road connectivity, 15 road projects are underway in the micro project areas which are supposed to be completed by December 2025. A micro-level plan for comprehensive road connectivity has to be prepared and submitted, instructed the Collector.
Collector was disappointed regarding slow progress in the construction of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). She directed Gunupur PA-ITDA to monitor and ensure the completion of the work as per the time frame. On health facet, Collector suggested continuous mobilization of mobile medical units to organize regular health camps, especially focusing on screening and community awareness on diseases like sickle cell anemia. Nine hostels have been sanctioned in the district. The District Education Officer(DEO) was directed to prepare a block-wise hostel mapping plan for all PVTG areas to propose additional hostels if required.
For mobile and electricity connections, the Executive Engineers reported that 6,653 households out of 9,084 households have been electrified. The Collector urged to cover the remaining households under Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana(BGJY) and off-grid solar through PM Surya Ghar scheme. A survey was also ordered for mobile network gaps byBSNL and other service providers.
In PM-KISAN performance, only 1,229 out of 10,178 target beneficiaries have been verified. The realization is abysmally low, ie, 12%. The Agriculture Department was directed to expedite registration and verification. On livelihoods, the Collector emphasized on coordination of departments to promote activities through 12 approved Van Dhan Vikas Kendra(VDVK) and 18 approved MPC with directions for mapping in 104 revenue villages. During the ongoing IEC campaign, priority was given to inclusion of eligible households in the ration card portal and completion of caste and domicile certificates. Emphasis was also given to collection with placement linkage for Jan Dhan Account and skill development programmes. In the implementation of forest land entitlements by issuing pattas, gaps in issuing pattas were noted and PA, ITDAs were given the responsibility to resolve them.
Finally, the Dharti Aaba campaign to be held from 15th to 30th June will focus on awareness and benefit accumulation. All departments were directed to submit village-wise micro-plans by ADWOS, DWO, BDOs and Special Officers, thereby ensuring inter-departmental coordination and livelihood promotion in the area of micro-projects.
