Initiative focuses on 11 critical interventions across nine ministries
Photo: iStock For decades, tribal communities have grappled with energy poverty, residing in remote areas beyond the reach of conventional electricity grids. This not only impedes their daily lives but also constrains their economic prospects, limiting opportunities for education, businesses and access to vital healthcare services.
Recognising this challenge, the Union Cabinet has greenlit the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) with a substantial budget of Rs 24,000 crore. This initiative focuses on 11 critical interventions across nine ministries, aiming to bring about transformative change in the lives of tribal communities.
The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a scheme under PM-JANMAN to energise 100,000 households in 1,500 habitations, belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). The scheme is backed by a budget of Rs 500 crore.
The scheme's primary objective is to electrify 100,000 PVTG households through off-grid solar power. This involves the installation of solar home lighting systems (SHLS) equipped with LED bulbs and fans. Each SHLS, provided free of cost, will be supported by central financial assistance (CFA) covering the entire cost, including appliances, transportation, installations, comprehensive maintenance services for five years and applicable taxes. The inclusion of a remote monitoring system ensures proper functioning and maintenance.
In cases where clusters of households exist in PVTG habitations, a solar mini-grid may be installed, operating through the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) mode. The mini-grid, complete with a battery bank, distribution lines, metering and control equipment, will receive CFA support of up to Rs 50,000 per un-electrified household. This innovative approach aims to provide sustainable energy solutions to tribal communities, addressing their unique energy needs.
Additionally, the scheme encompasses the solarisation of multi-purpose centres (MPC) in PVTG areas where a connection through the main grid is not feasible. Off-grid solar power packs with a battery bank will be installed to meet specific load conditions. This multifaceted approach covers diverse energy requirements in tribal regions, fostering inclusive development.
Funds for this transformative endeavour will be drawn from the allocation for the Development Action Plan Scheduled Tribes of MNRE, with a dedicated budget line (PM JANMAN) established for effective implementation. The financial breakdown for the years 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 underscores the government's commitment, with Rs 20 crore, Rs 255 crore and Rs 240 crore allocated, respectively.
The scheme's implementation, slated to begin upon administrative approvals, underscores the government's proactive approach to address energy poverty in tribal areas. The decentralised approach entrusts the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs with the power to implement this initiative effectively.
In conclusion, the PM-JANMAN scheme represents a pivotal step toward providing sustainable energy solutions to particularly vulnerable tribal groups. By integrating solar power initiatives tailored to the unique needs of tribal households and communities, the government is advancing inclusive development.
The PM-SAUBHAGYA programme included standalone solar photovoltaic systems in remote areas, where grid connectivity was not feasible. But poor monitoring at implementation level has resulted in many standalone SPV systems becoming dysfunctional in a couple of years.
The introduction of a remote monitoring system in the current programme facilitates effective performance monitoring. To address under-performance, penalty provisions can be incorporated in the bidding documents for installers, and implementing agencies should be held accountable for the quality, reliability and sustainability of the systems.
In cases of failure in the systems, CFA may be recovered along with the interest. A standardised bidding document for consistency across states is essential, and a dedicated cell under the rooftop solar programme, overseeing PM-KUSUM A & C components, should be established to ensure successful implementation. The engagement of dedicated cells in distribution companies with other activities significantly hampers the optimal realisation of benefits from such progressive schemes.
PM-JANMAN scheme for tribal electrification is crucial, but it's equally imperative to concurrently foster on-the-ground skills development, according to Arpo Mukherjee, associate vice-president at Ernst & Young, a transaction advisory and consulting firm. Without this, there's a significant risk of failure.
While remote monitoring is theoretically effective, it can't replace the necessity for manual inspection, making a thoughtful integration of both for optimal outcomes imperative. Additionally, there should be endeavours to link this programme with livelihood generation activities tied to the monitoring, operation and maintenance of the solar photovoltaic system within the local tribal communities, Mukherjee told Down To Earth.
A comprehensive approach that encompasses not just electrification but also economic empowerment is essential for the scheme to bring about genuine transformative changes in the lives of tribal communities.
The success of the scheme depends on the commitment to financial allocations, transparent implementation and innovative technical solutions.
“This initiative is crucial for tackling the prevalent issue of energy poverty within tribal communities. It has the potential to create new opportunities for the tribal community, fostering digital empowerment and enabling them to benefit from various inclusive government development programmes,” said Jay C Shiv, programme director, Renewable Energy Unit, CSE.
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