Once seen largely as beneficiaries of welfare schemes, India’s tribal communities are now emerging as entrepreneurs, innovators and market leaders, says Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet from 2024.
In an email interview with LiveMint, Oram, who is driving this transformation, discusses the government’s new approach — one that combines compassion with business and inclusion with innovation — to achieve sustainable growth and dignity in tribal areas across the country. Edited excerpts:
Q: How is the government enabling tribal business to move from welfare-based support to market-driven growth?
A: We are constantly moving tribal business from a welfare-based model to one that is enterprise-driven and market-driven. Our goal is to empower tribal communities not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders shaping Indianness economic future.
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Through strategic partnerships with industries, investors and mentors, tribal entrepreneurs gain access to modern markets, finance and technology. Initiatives such as the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 encourage direct engagement between tribal producers and corporations and open opportunities for CSR, procurement and investment across the country.
More than 12 million tribal entrepreneurs have already been empowered through 4,030 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, while more than ₹3,000 crore worth of tribal products were sold under Tribal India. We feature these success stories from across India to inspire innovation and scale. The goal is clear to make tribal entrepreneurship a vital force to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047.
Question: The government allocated ₹79,000 crore to provide houses, roads, health facilities and water to tribal areas across the country. How is this government’s focus on tribal areas compared to previous governments?
A: Allocation ₹79,000 crore reflects more than just a financial commitment; represents a heartfelt promise to bring development and dignity to every tribal household.
“Visible Transformation on Earth”
Unlike in the past, when progress often slowed down at the paperwork level, we focus on visible transformation on the ground. Under PM-JANMANhistoric initiative with spending ₹24,104 crores for 75 Specially Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), more than 4.34 lakh Pucca houses have been sanctioned where more than 1.04 lakh houses are completed, 7200 villages have achieved full saturation of Har Ghar Jal and 687 mobile medical units are providing 38 health workers more than beneficial.
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Similarly, under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), more than 11.45 lakh houses and 62,515 villages have been sanctioned with safe drinking water. This government’s approach is about compassion in action, ensuring that every tribal family has access to basic amenities and the same quality of life as any citizen in India.
Q: The policy and institutional support that is being extended to help tribal entrepreneurs gain access to finance, technology and markets, how is this helping them on the ground?
A: We understand that tribal entrepreneurs face unique challenges in accessing credit, technology and market opportunities. That’s why our policies are designed to create real journeys, not paperwork.
Through TRIFED, the Tech for Tribals initiativeand working with banks and industry bodies to improve access to credit, provide business training and develop digital and marketing capabilities. More than thousands of tribal entrepreneurs have already been trained in financial literacy, business planning and packaging.
“Direct connection with entrepreneurs”
Platforms like the Tribal Business Conclave directly connect entrepreneurs with investors and technology partners, allowing them to showcase their products and ideas on a national stage. This ecosystem helps tribal businesses grow sustainably, creating employment and pride within their own communities.
Q: How do initiatives like “Roots to Rise” pitch meetings and Buyer-Seller Meets help connect tribal producers with traditional markets?
A: These initiatives are transformational for our tribal producers. For the first time, tribal startups and businesses are pitching their ideas directly to investors, government officials and corporate leaders as equal partners, not sidelined participants.
These meetings promote mentorship, access to funding and long-term business ties. Meeting between buyer and sellerin particular, they allow producers of handicrafts, forest products and organic goods to connect with wholesale customers who value authenticity and sustainability.
Through these platforms, we build bridges between traditional knowledge and modern markets, creating fair prices, stable incomes and recognition of the creativity and craftsmanship of India’s tribal communities. It is about turning local potential into a national opportunity.
Question: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has urged you to include the Kalanadi community of the hill district in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Did you answer her?
AND: Ministry of Tribal Affairs takes all such requests very seriously and follows a transparent consultative process in coordination with state governments and other relevant authorities.
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Each proposal undergoes rigorous scrutiny against established criteria and recommendations at several levels before any final decision is made. Our priority is always fairness, inclusiveness and adherence to constitutional and procedural standards.
Q: Bihar voted earlier this month. How do you rate NDA in the state?
A: Like Union Minister for Tribal AffairsI focus on politics, development and welfare for tribal communities. I deeply respect the democratic process and people’s right to make their own informed decisions.
The NDA presented its vision and programs to the voters in Bihar. Ultimately, it is the voice of the people that will shape the future of the state. My personal priority remains to ensure that every tribal household in Bihar and across India benefits from our welfare and empowerment initiatives.
We aim to empower tribal communities not only as beneficiaries but as leaders in shaping India’s economic future.
Q: You recently said that you will no longer compete in polls. Why?
Answer: My commitment to the welfare of tribal communities remains unchanged. I will continue to serve my people in all possible capacities, whether in or out of electoral politics.
Key things
- The government is shifting tribal support from welfare-based initiatives to market-driven initiatives.
- Strategic partnerships are essential to empower tribal entrepreneurs through access to markets and finance.
- Innovative programs such as the Tribal Business Conclave and Roots to Rise are critical to connecting tribal producers with traditional markets.
