Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 246 tribal development projects on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, with the total package valued at roughly Rs 3,000 crore.
- Of the projects, 173 were opened immediately, including 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under PM-JANMAN, while foundations were laid for 19 more EMRS, 12 Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres and 42 other PM-JANMAN/DAJGUA initiatives.
- The programme also opened cultural and research sites such as the Tribal Research Institute in Itanagar and the Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum in Aizawl to highlight tribal history and heritage.
- Modi used the event to link the projects to restoring security and services in areas affected by Naxal violence and to accuse previous governments of neglect, and he spoke directly with beneficiaries who described new houses, toilets and skills training from PM-JANMAN.
- The rollout could widen access to residential schooling and local market channels for tribal producers, but its impact will depend on on-the-ground implementation and funding flow; political coverage differed with governing party leaders promoting the move and opponents criticised for absence at some commemorations.