DA-JGUA: A Game Changer for Tribal Development

In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the lives of India’s tribal communities, the Government of India launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) October 2, 2024. Approved by the Union Cabinet September 18, 2024, this programme signifies a paradigm shift from the fragmented and often limited tribal development strategies pursued over the past seven and half decades. DA-JGUA introduces a mission-mode, saturation-based, and convergence-driven model for inclusive growth and dignity in tribal regions.

- BY AB OTA

With a substantial financial commitment of ₹79,156 crore—Rs 56,333 crore from the Centre and ₹22,823 crore from the states—DA-JGUA targets holistic development across 63,843 tribal-majority villages in 549 districts and 2,911 blocks spanning 26 states and four Union Territories. This national-level intervention is expected to benefit over five crore tribal citizens by 2028-29 through 25 defined interventions implemented in coordination with 17 Central Ministries and various state departments.

In contrast to earlier efforts that operated in isolation and often lacked adequate resources, DA-JGUA integrates services within a single, cohesive framework. It emphasizes six core areas: household and community infrastructure, health and nutrition, education and training, electrification, economic empowerment, and connectivity. This whole-of-government approach ensures that tribal families receive comprehensive support, including quality housing, clean water, healthcare, education, livelihoods, digital access, and road connectivity.