The Ministry of Tribal Affairs conducted a comprehensive review of its flagship schemes on September 3, 2026, focusing on strengthening delivery mechanisms, improving convergence, accelerating fund utilization, and addressing implementation bottlenecks across states and implementing agencies. The review was chaired by Secretary Smt. Ranjana Chopra and included senior ministry officials, the National Programme Management Unit (NPMU), state governments, and implementing agencies to assess physical and financial progress of key interventions.
Key Announcements and Initiatives
The ministry announced four major initiatives: First, the Roadmap for Integrated Tribal Development Agencies/Projects (ITDAs/ITDPs) along with comprehensive ITDA Operational Guidelines was shared with states and ministries, establishing a structured framework for planning, governance, and monitoring of ITDAs/ITDPs to strengthen institutional mechanisms and facilitate greater convergence of Central and State interventions. Second, Adi Darpan - a comprehensive compendium reflecting the progress of the ministry's schemes and programmes as well as ground realities and development profile of tribal communities - was released to strengthen transparency and facilitate evidence-based planning.
Third, the winning districts of the District Agri Detailed Project Report (DPR) Challenge were announced, including Wayanad (Kerala), Dima Hasao (Assam), Palghar (Maharashtra), and Palakkad (Kerala). The challenge invited districts to develop high-quality, implementation-ready DPRs for agriculture and allied livelihood interventions benefiting tribal farmers, particularly in areas such as horticulture, water management, and value-chain development.
Fourth, the upcoming Rani Durgavati Adivasi Mahila Sammelan – National Conclave on Tribal Women Entrepreneurs was presented by Dr Varnali Deka, Director DAJGUA. This initiative is envisaged as a platform to strengthen opportunities for tribal women entrepreneurs through market linkages, access to credit, skilling, and mentorship.
Scheme Implementation Review
The review examined component-wise progress of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), including physical and financial achievements, convergence with line ministries, and key implementation challenges. Particular attention was given to the status of Utilisation Certificates (UCs) and expenditure commitments under DA-JGUA, PM-JANMAN, and Article 275(1), with emphasis on expediting fund utilization during the remaining period of the financial year.
Progress of the TMMC initiative, the Centre of Competence for Sickle Cell Disease, and the CSIR-NBRI bioresource initiative was also reviewed, highlighting the ministry's efforts to strengthen health-related interventions while harnessing traditional knowledge and bioresources. The implementation of Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan was reviewed, including registrations at Adi Sewa Kendras and enrolment of Adi Karmayogi Volunteers, with a demonstration of the iGoT microsite developed for capacity-building of volunteers.
The review concluded with identification of specific action points to strengthen implementation, improve coordination among stakeholders, and accelerate delivery of outcomes under the ministry's flagship interventions, reaffirming commitment to effective, accountable, and outcome-oriented tribal development in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat.