Why in News?
The Centre has directed States and Union Territories to organise events from November 1–15 to mark the 5th Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and conclude Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, highlighting tribal welfare schemes and celebrating tribal culture nationwide.
Description:
- Observed on: 15th November every year.
- Significance: Celebrates the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda (1875–1900).
- First celebrated: In 2021, to honour the contributions of tribal communities to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
- Launched by: The Prime Minister of India from Khunti district, Jharkhand.
- Major Scheme Announced: PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) — a ₹24,000 crore mission for the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Objective: To ensure last-mile delivery of welfare schemes, protect endangered tribal groups, and provide access to education, healthcare, housing, and livelihood support.
- Associated initiatives:
- Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra – outreach to villages for welfare delivery.
- PM-KISAN 15th installment – ₹18,000 crore released for over 8 crore farmers.
About Birsa Munda:
- Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu village, Jharkhand (then Bihar).
- Belong to the Munda tribe of the Chotanagpur Plateau.
- Led the Ulgulan Movement (1899–1900) — meaning The Great Tumult — against British colonial rule and missionary influence.
- Founded the Birsait faith, promoting tribal identity and rejecting British-imposed religious conversion.
- Advocated tribal rights over land (“Khuntkatti” system).
- Revered as ‘Bhagwan’ (God) and ‘Dharati Aba’ (Father of Earth) by his followers.
- His movement forced the British to pass laws protecting tribal land rights.
- The state of Jharkhand was formed on his birth anniversary in 2000 in his honour.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):
- India has 75 PVTGs across 18 States and Union Territories.
- Identified as a distinct category following the Dhebar Commission (1961) report.
- Characterised by:
- Pre-agricultural level of technology.
- Stagnant or declining population.
- Extremely low literacy.
- Subsistence-level economy.
- Odisha has the highest PVTG population (~8.66 lakh).
- Largest PVTG community: Saura (Odisha).
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