Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

Solan District Selected for Tribal Development Initiatives

In a significant development for Solan, nine villages have been selected under the Central Government's Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, this scheme aims to uplift tribal communities, with a particular focus on improving the socio-economic conditions in villages where tribal populations are concentrated. DAJGUA is part of a larger national strategy to address gaps in infrastructure, education, and livelihood opportunities in underserved areas across India. 

The selected Solan villages—Bairchha, Mastanpur, Gol Jamala, Dhang Nichli, Malpur, Gullerwala, Lehi, and Mandhala—span eight gram panchayats within the Nalagarh and Doon Assembly segments. These areas will see a major boost in infrastructure and support services, including the provision of permanent (pucca) housing with piped drinking water, mobile phone connectivity, skill development initiatives, and tribal hostels to enhance educational opportunities.

Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

Ministry and Budget

The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan falls under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. With a substantial budget allocation of Rs. 79,156 crores, the initiative is co-funded by the 

• Central Government (Rs. 56,333 crores)
• State Governments (Rs. 22,823 crores)

The scheme aims to cover approximately 63,843 tribal-majority villages across 30 states and union territories.

Objectives and Targeted Areas

DAJGUA’s core goal is to bridge critical infrastructure and service gaps, covering essential areas such as:

• Social infrastructure
• Health and education facilities
• Livelihood and employment opportunities

By focusing on saturation—ensuring 100% coverage of key services—the scheme promises to create sustainable improvements in tribal communities. 

Key Features of Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

1. Extensive Coverage

• The scheme spans 549 districts and 2,911 blocks nationwide, targeting villages with significant tribal populations.

2. Inter-Ministerial Collaboration  

• Seventeen line ministries collaborate to implement a total of 25 interventions. The scheme emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing tribal needs through inter-departmental cooperation.

3. Service Saturation

• DAJGUA builds on the successes of the PM-JANMAN initiative, aiming to provide saturation of education, healthcare, and livelihood services in tribal-majority areas.

4. Infrastructure and Connectivity  

   The scheme includes plans for:

   - Education: Establishing 40 Eklavya schools with foundations laid for 25 additional schools, with a target of making 728 schools operational by 2026, benefitting approximately 3.5 lakh tribal students.

   - Roads: Constructing 25,000 km of roads to link tribal villages, enhancing connectivity and access to resources.

   - Water Supply: Ensuring piped water reaches eligible villages, with a focus on 5,000 hamlets that house fewer than 20 households.

   - Electrification: Extending power supply to around 2.35 lakh households and public institutions.

   - LPG Access: Providing 25 lakh LPG connections to tribal households.

   - Digital Access: Introducing broadband in 5,000 villages under BharatNet, bringing digital connectivity to remote areas.

5. Economic Support and Market Access

• The Abhiyan includes provisions for establishing 100 multi-purpose tribal marketing centers, enabling local artisans and producers to market their products efficiently.

6. Monitoring and Mapping

• All villages covered under DAJGUA will be mapped on the PM Gati Shakti Portal, allowing real-time monitoring of infrastructure development and resources.

Impact on Solan's Tribal Communities

The initiative's expected benefits for Solan's tribal communities are manifold. By creating sustainable infrastructure, enhancing education and skill-building opportunities, and providing market support, DAJGUA will empower these communities, enabling them to actively participate in economic development. Furthermore, improved connectivity and essential services will foster long-term growth and resilience among Solan’s tribal villages.

Conclusion

The selection of Solan villages for the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan marks a major step forward in tribal development, showcasing the government's commitment to inclusive growth. With a comprehensive approach to address the specific needs of tribal communities, the scheme has the potential to transform these villages and set a benchmark for future tribal development programs across India.