Big Push for Tribal Welfare in Abua Budget, focus on self-governance, housing and health services
Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has announced several key measures for the welfare and overall development of the tribal community in the Abua Budget 2026–27 presented by Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore in the Assembly. The budget outlines provisions aimed at strengthening self-governance, education, livelihoods, health and housing for tribals across the state.
The minister said the budget seeks to ensure inclusive growth while preserving tribal identity, culture and traditional systems.
PESA Act Implementation in Scheduled Areas
One of the most significant decisions is the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, which came into effect on January 2, 2026. Under this law, Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas will have the power to take decisions related to sand ghat management, operation of local markets, selection of beneficiaries and use of local resources.
The move is expected to strengthen self-governance in tribal regions and promote traditional systems of community-based decision-making.
Tribal University and Scholarship Expansion
To promote higher education among tribal youth, the government has proposed the establishment of Pandit Raghunath Murmu Tribal University in the Galudih-Ghatshila area near Jamshedpur. The university will focus on tribal languages, culture, history and social studies, offering students an opportunity to pursue higher education while preserving their heritage.
The Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Transnational Scholarship Scheme has also been expanded. Earlier limited to Scheduled Tribe students, it will now include SC, OBC and minority students. The number of beneficiaries has been increased from 24 to 50. A total allocation of Rs 1,216 crore has been made for SC, ST and OBC scholarship schemes.
Boost to Forest-Based Livelihoods
The budget places special emphasis on forest-based livelihoods. Minor forest produce such as tendu leaves, mahua and lac will be promoted. The Kundri Lac Farm in Palamu will be renovated to support lac cultivation. Under CAMPA and the Chief Minister’s Jan-Van Yojana, value chains will be developed to increase the income of tribal families dependent on forests.
Housing, Health and Social Security
Under the Abua Housing Scheme, poor tribal families will receive pucca houses worth Rs 2 lakh each. An allocation of Rs 3,517.23 crore has been made for the Chief Minister’s Sarvajan Pension Yojana.
In the health sector, the government has set a target to open 750 Abua dispensaries. A total provision of Rs 7,990.30 crore has been allocated for health services. The budget also proposes the development of eco-tourism, fossil parks and biodiversity parks in tribal-dominated areas such as Saranda, Pakur, Gumla and Chakulia.
