Livelihood opportunities for Irula tribal community

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Government is promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), including the Irula community in Tamil Nadu, through the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM‑JANMAN). Under the scheme, TRIFED has sanctioned 37 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) across seven districts with a total sanctioned outlay of Rs 120.15 lakh, of which Rs 60.08 lakh has been released, benefitting 2,403 persons. Of these, 34 VDVKs serve 2,135 Irula beneficiaries, supporting value‑addition and marketing of minor forest produce such as honey, spices, cashew, broom sticks, herbs, tamarind and soap‑nut, generating sales worth Rs 75.89 lakh.