Economic Development Programs — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
PM-JANMAN Scheme Gains Momentum in Addressing PVTG Deprivation
January 2024The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) scheme, launched in November 2023, has seen accelerated implementation efforts in early 2024. This mission, with a budget of Rs 24,000 crore, specifically targets the holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 states and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Recent reports highlight the establishment of mobile medical units, initiation of housing projects under PM-AWAS Yojana, and efforts to provide safe drinking water and road connectivity in remote PVTG habitations. This scheme is a direct response to the multi-dimensional poverty and lack of basic amenities faced by these most vulnerable tribal communities, aiming to integrate them into the national development mainstream through targeted economic and social interventions. Its progress is a key indicator of the government's commitment to 'Antyodaya' for tribal welfare.
UPSC Angle: Prelims: Details of PM-JANMAN, target beneficiaries (PVTGs), ministries involved, key interventions. Mains: Critical analysis of targeted schemes for vulnerable groups, challenges in implementation in remote areas, effectiveness in addressing multi-dimensional poverty, and its alignment with inclusive growth and social justice objectives.
Budget 2024-25 Continues Focus on SC/ST Economic Empowerment through Enhanced Allocations
February 2024The Union Budget 2024-25 presented in February 2024 reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, with significant allocations directed towards economic development programs. While specific details on SCSP and TSP outlays are often embedded within various ministry budgets, the overall thrust remained on skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. The budget emphasized leveraging technology for better outreach and monitoring of schemes. Furthermore, there was a continued push for schemes like Stand-Up India and MUDRA, which have proven instrumental in fostering entrepreneurship among SC/ST individuals. The focus on 'Viksit Bharat' includes ensuring that these communities are not left behind in the nation's economic progress, with special attention to livelihood generation in tribal areas and support for traditional crafts and enterprises. The budget also hinted at greater convergence among existing schemes to maximize impact and reduce fragmentation of efforts.
UPSC Angle: Prelims: Overall budgetary trends for SC/ST welfare, specific new initiatives or enhanced allocations mentioned. Mains: Analysis of budget priorities for social justice, effectiveness of fund utilization, challenges in achieving desired outcomes despite increased allocations, and the role of financial inclusion in economic empowerment.