India has made significant strides in promoting inclusive development over the past decade, with a strong focus on tribal welfare, education, and livelihood generation. Government initiatives aimed at empowering tribal communities have expanded considerably, improving access to economic opportunities and essential services.
Efforts to promote tribal products and enterprises have gained momentum through increased participation in fairs and exhibitions. Promotional expenditure for these initiatives rose from ₹145 lakh to ₹289 lakh, reflecting a growing commitment to expanding market access for tribal artisans and producers.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PM-JVM) and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), a total of 1,146 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been sanctioned across the country. Between FY 2023-24 and FY 2025-26, the schemes received a combined allocation of ₹11,288.70 lakh. These centres have helped strengthen tribal livelihoods by promoting value addition and marketing of forest-based products.
Eklavya Schools Expand Educational Opportunities
The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) scheme continues to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe students living in remote and underserved regions. The number of operational EMRS institutions has increased from 129 in 2014-15 to 499 as of May 2026.
Student enrolment has also grown significantly, with approximately 1.54 lakh students currently studying in these schools. The expansion of EMRS reflects the government’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and creating better opportunities for tribal youth.
Advancing from Antyodaya to Sarvodaya
India’s welfare framework has evolved from a traditional entitlement-based approach to a saturation-driven model aimed at ensuring benefits reach every eligible citizen. Through sustained public investment, targeted welfare programmes, and technology-enabled governance, access to basic amenities, social services, and livelihood opportunities has expanded across the country.
Women-led development, self-help group-driven entrepreneurship, and grassroots economic participation have emerged as key drivers of this transformation. At the same time, the expansion of digital infrastructure and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems has improved transparency, efficiency, and accountability in service delivery.
As India progresses toward its long-term development goals, these initiatives are helping build a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous society. Together, they embody the vision of moving from “Antyodaya to Sarvodaya”—uplifting the most vulnerable sections of society while driving inclusive national growth.
