What happened (MoTA’s field visit and progress review in Indore division)
MoTA Secretary Smt Ranjana Chopra, accompanied by Sh Manish Thakur (Additional Secretary, MoTA), conducted an extensive field visit cum progress review across Indore division, Madhya Pradesh on 2026-08-21. The stated purpose was to assess on-ground implementation of MoTA schemes and interact directly with tribal beneficiaries.
Key field locations visited and observations recorded in the government communication are:
1) Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Morod (PVTG), Indore: The Secretary interacted with students and teachers and observed digital smart classrooms used for everyday teaching. The visit highlighted residential education for Scheduled Tribe children, especially those from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), under the PM-JANMAN and DA-JGUA umbrella.
2) Bunkar Suvidha Kendra, Maheshwar, Khargone district: The Secretary observed ST women weavers producing 1,000–2,000 Maheshwari sarees daily. The kendra is run by a Sahayata Samuh registered under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). The communication states that market linkages are facilitated through TRIFED, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Zilla Panchayats. The Secretary also met ST students, including a NEET-qualified aspirant, and interacted with Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders present at the kendra.
3) Adi Sewa Kendra, Keriyakheri, Khargone district: The Secretary visited a single-window facilitation centre for tribal empowerment. Community members registered facilitation requirements in an on-site register, including ration cards and scheme enrolments. The communication also states that the kendra hosted the nationwide Jan Sunwai (public hearing) for grievance redressal closer to the community.
Related current affairs
- MoTA in Rajya Sabha: Socio-economic development schemes for Scheduled Tribes
- TRIFED implements PMJVM and PM-JANMAN via VDVKs to strengthen tribal entrepreneurship and livelihoods (incl. women)
- Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) to strengthen tribal MFP-based livelihoods
- Tribal programmes in Tamil Nadu: MoTA schemes, funding and coverage in Rajya Sabha
- Find solutions to speed up work on Eklavya schools: Khose
- MTA and TRIFED showcase tribal textile heritage under RISA: TIMELESS TRIBAL on 12th National Handloom Day
