Gumla sets benchmark in PVTG development with multi-pronged strategy
Gumla: For the first time since Independence, members of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) living in the challenging terrain of Netarhat plateau in Gumla district are experiencing comprehensive development.
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This includes basic amenities like 'sadak, bijli pani', economic advancement, healthcare facilities and social security through a coordinated approach.
Bimal Asur, who leads the Adimjanjati Yuva Sangh Jagriti Abhiyan in Polpolpat Asur settlement, said, "Many types of development projects are either being implemented or underway in almost of our habitations for the first time after the Independence—road, light, drinking water, agriculture growth and so many others."
Residents Gulab Asur and Samir Asur from Sakhuwapani added, "So many people are these days busy building houses of govt schemes. Women are taking water at home and our area of glowing with solar light."
Gumla deputy commissioner Karn Satyarthi said that over the past two years, the district has implemented several significant initiatives aimed at uplifting its particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs), including the Asur, Birhor, Birjia, Parhaiya, and Korwa communities.
"Gumla has undertaken extensive infrastructure projects under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), with a focus on road connectivity and housing. A total of 23 road projects have been sanctioned, covering approximately 76.75 km in remote PVTG hamlets. Additionally, more than 1600 houses have been approved under the housing scheme, targeting areas such as Dumri, Bishunpur, Chainpur, and Ghaghra.
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Aurapath village has been identified as a model village under PM-JANMAN, with completed houses and a 100% solar-powered water supply system," he cited.
He added that the district has emerged as a pioneer in solar electrification, with the installation of 700 solar-powered street lights across PVTG settlements. "Additionally, the district has achieved complete solar water supply coverage in Aurapath and other PVTG-dominated villages.
High mast solar lights have also been sanctioned to ensure safety and connectivity after dusk. Plans are underway to extend solar power to additional PVTG habitations by 2025.
More than 119 habitations have been connected with solar powered water schemes."
Gumla became the first district in Jharkhand to saturate Ayushman Bharat and conduct comprehensive sickle cell anaemia screening for all PVTG residents.
"Six mobile medical units are operational across Dumri, Chainpur, and Bishunpur, providing essential diagnostic services.
The district administration has also established weekly medical camps in remote PVTG villages, ensuring access to basic healthcare services," he said.
The district has also begun a focused malnutrition reduction programme and distributed nutrition kits to PVTG households.
He said, "We have also successfully linked all eligible PVTG households with Jan Dhan accounts, MNREGA job cards, and PM-KISAN schemes."
The administration has launched first ever dedicated PVTG helpline for addressing issues related to food security, housing, and healthcare, serving both as a grievance redressal system and proactive feedback mechanism.
The administration has introduced potato chips farming and processing in select PVTG clusters to enhance livelihood opportunities. A potato chips manufacturing unit branded as Krisp has been established at Jehan Gutwa settlement.
VDVKs (Van Dhan Vikas Kendras) in Dumri and Bishunpur block facilitate market connections for PVTG farmers cultivating millet.
"The 'Gift of Education' programme has significantly improved Class X results among PVTG students while vocational education centres have been established in Dumri and Aurapat settlement to equip PVTG youth with skills in carpentry, masonry, and tailoring," Satyarthi said.
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