About the Scheme
Tribal entrepreneurship scheme providing ₹15 lakh per 300-member Van Dhan Kendra for NTFP value addition.
Target Beneficiaries: 5,26,800 gatherers across 1,756 VDVKs in 174 districts. 27 new clusters sanctioned in FY 2023-24.
Implementing Agency: TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) under Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Key Features
- Establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) across tribal regions
- Skill upgradation and capacity building for tribal gatherers and artisans
- Procurement, processing, value addition, and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP)
- Formation of tribal producer companies/collectives for better market access
- Provision of necessary tools and equipment for value addition activities
- Technological support and market linkages for tribal products
Eligibility Criteria
- Members of tribal communities as defined by the government
- Tribal gatherers, artisans, and entrepreneurs
- Participation in Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) or tribal Self Help Groups (SHGs)
- Residing in tribal-dominated areas where MFPs are abundant
Benefits
- Enhanced income and improved livelihoods for tribal communities
- Reduced exploitation by middlemen due to direct market linkages
- Skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities in value addition
- Promotion of sustainable harvesting and management of forest resources
- Empowerment of tribal women and youth through economic activities
Application Process
- Formation of tribal Self Help Groups (SHGs) in identified clusters
- Registration of SHGs with TRIFED or the designated implementing agency
- Identification and establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs)
- Training and capacity building provided to tribal members for value addition
- Procurement, primary processing, and value addition of Minor Forest Produce
- Marketing and sale of value-added tribal products through various channels
Budget Allocation
26000
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper: GS2
Prelims Relevance7%
Mains Relevance9%
Syllabus Tags
Tribal welfare and developmentMinor Forest Produce (MFP)Livelihood generation and rural economySelf-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative modelsInclusive growth and social justiceSustainable development and forest rightsGovernment schemes for vulnerable sections