The Centre has begun survey and registration to identify eligible beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) among 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 states and Union Territories, and aims to release the first instalment to them by mid-January, a source said. The source said that the Ministry of Rural Development, that implements the PMAY-G, has started the survey on December 15 after making required modification in Aawas+app—the ministry’s online application to identify the beneficiaries under the rural housing scheme. The survey is underway in 15 states—Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha and Rajasthan, the source said, adding that about 28,000 households have already covered under the survey. In all, 4.9 lakh houses are to be built for PVTGs under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), which was approved by the Union Cabinet on November 29, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the PM-JANMAN on November 15, on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas from Khunti. The proposed 4.9 lakh houses are over and above the existing target of 2.95 crore houses under the PMAY-G scheme, the source said. Sources said the Centre has increased the unit cost of a PMAY-G house Rs 2 lakh for PVTGs, which is higher as compared to Rs 1.2 lakh in plain areas and Rs 1.30 lakh in hilly areas. Besides, the PMAY-G beneficiaries can also avail a financial assistance of Rs 12,500 for construction of toilets and 90 days work under the NREGS through its convergence with the housing scheme, taking the overall benefit up to Rs 2.39 lakh (PMAY-G: 2 lakh+ Rs 12,500 for toilet Rs 27,000 NREGS wages), the source said. Apart from housing, the Centre aims to provide clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity facilities to these groups under respective Central schemes. The launch of the programme is significant in view of 2024 Lok Sabha elections as the tribal belts account for 47 of the 543 Parliamentary constituencies. The launch of the PM-JANMAN is in line with the announcement made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech 2023-24 on February 1, 2023. Of the 75 PVTGs, the maximum 13 are in Odisha, followed by 12 in Andhra Pradesh. State/UT wise list of 75 PVTGs 1. Andhra Pradesh: Bodo Gadaba, Bondo Poroja, Chenchu, Dongria Khond, Gutob Gadaba, Khond Poroja, Kolam, Kondareddis, Konda Savaras, Kutia Khond, Parengi Poroja, Thoti 2. Bihar (including Jharkhand): Asurs, Birhor, Birjia, Hill Kharia, Korwas, Mal Paharia, Parhaiyas, Sauria Paharia, Savar 3. Gujarat: Kathodi, Kotwalia, Padhar, Siddi, Kolgha 4. Karnataka: Jenu Kuruba, Koraga 5. Kerala: Cholanaikayan (a section of Kattunaickans), Kadar, Kattunayakan, Kurumbas, Koraga 6. Madhya Pradesh: (including Chhattisgarh): Abujh Marias, Baigas, Bharias, Hill Korbas, Kamars, Saharias, Birhor 7. Maharashtra: Katkaria (Kathodia), Kolam, Maria Gond 8. Manipur: Marram Nagas 9. Orissa: Birhor, Bondo, Didayi, Dongria-Khond, Juangs, Kharias, Kutia Kondh, Lanjia Sauras, Lodhas, Mankidias, Paudi Bhuyans, Soura, Chuktia Bhunjia 10. Rajasthan: Seharias 11. Tamil Nadu: Kattu Nayakans, Kotas, Kurumbas, Irulas, Paniyans, Todas 12. Tripura: Reangs 13. Uttar Pradesh: (including Uttarakhand): Buxas, Rajis 14. West Bengal: Birhor, Lodhas, Totos 15. Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Shom Pens
