What happened: PM-JANMAN support for Irula PVTGs in Tamil Nadu via TRIFED VDVKs
The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Government promotes sustainable livelihood opportunities for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). The minister specifically cited livelihood support for the Irula tribal community in Tamil Nadu using TRIFED’s Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs).
Key scheme facts shared in the Rajya Sabha reply include:
• **Geographic coverage (Tamil Nadu districts):** TRIFED sanctioned **37 VDVKs** in **7 districts**—Tirupathur, Chengalpattu, Namakkal, Ariyalur, The Nilgiris, Tiruvannamalai and Coimbatore.
• **Financial support (TRIFED VDVKs under PM-JANMAN):** Total **sanctioned amount ₹120.15 lakh**, of which **₹60.08 lakh has been released**.
• **Beneficiary coverage:** **2,403 beneficiaries** are associated with the 37 VDVKs.
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