New Delhi: The Union government has sanctioned 488 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Andhra Pradesh under central tribal welfare schemes, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey said the Ministry extended financial support through TRIFED. The assistance came under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission and the PM-JANMAN scheme. He said the objective was to strengthen value addition and income generation among tribal communities.
Of the total approvals, 415 centres came under PMJVM and 73 under PM-JANMAN. At present, 368 PMJVM centres and 44 PM-JANMAN centres are functional across the state. Therefore, a large share of the sanctioned units has already become operational.
The minister said the government approved ₹6,470.40 lakh for these centres. Out of this, ₹6,162.90 lakh related to PMJVM, while ₹307.50 lakh fell under PM-JANMAN. So far, the Centre has released ₹3,757.80 lakh to Andhra Pradesh.
Funding process and expansion of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras
Uikey said state governments and implementing agencies submit proposals through TRIFED. Officials examine these proposals strictly as per guidelines. They then grant approvals based on eligibility and fund availability.
He also said the PMJVM framework allows the creation of Van Dhan Producer Enterprises by clustering nearby centres. These enterprises aim to further raise tribal incomes. However, TRIFED has not received any complete proposals from Andhra Pradesh or other states for such conversions.
The minister added that the government continues to encourage states to submit eligible proposals. He said the programme plays a key role in strengthening tribal livelihoods and local value chains.
