New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) The central government has increased the budget for the Union Tribal Ministry by over 45 per cent compared to the last year, allocating more funds to bridge infrastructure gaps in tribal-dominated areas across the country.

For 2025-26, the ministry has been allocated Rs 14,925.81 crore, up from Rs 10,237.33 crore in 2024-25.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which provide quality education to tribal students, will receive Rs 7,088.60 crore, up from Rs 4,748 crore last year.

The budget for the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission, which ensures year-round income-generating opportunities for tribals, has been increased from Rs 152 crore to Rs 380 crore.

The government has allocated Rs 335.97 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), compared to Rs 127.51 crore last year.

Under PMAAGY, funds are provided to states and union territories with Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations to improve education, healthcare, agriculture, skill development and employment opportunities.

The budget for the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) has been doubled from Rs 150 crore to Rs 300 crore.

This scheme focuses on improving the socio-economic conditions of particularly vulnerable tribal groups by ensuring access to safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, education, healthcare, nutrition, roads and telecom connectivity.

The allocation for Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) has been quadrupled, increasing from Rs 500 crore to Rs 2,000 crore.

This programme aims to fill infrastructure gaps in 63,843 villages, improve access to healthcare, education and Anganwadi facilities, and create livelihood opportunities.

It is expected to benefit over 5 crore tribals across 549 districts and 2,911 blocks in 30 states and union territories within five years. PTI GVS DIV DIV

Budget increase for tribal welfare signals expanded funding for education, infrastructure and socio-economic schemes nationwide. The central government increased budget allocations for tribal welfare in 2025-26 by over 45 per cent, directing higher funds to education, livelihoods and village infrastructure. Major uplifts include larger grants for Eklavya Model Residential Schools, expanded funding for the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission and Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, doubling of resources for Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, and a fourfold increase for Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan to address infrastructure gaps across numerous tribal villages.