Kumar Bahukhandi
Information gathered through digital surveys at the field level will enhance effective monitoring of schemes.
Raipur: Under the guidelines of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, the Chhattisgarh government is undertaking a significant initiative for the overall development of the Particularly Backward Tribe (PVTG) community.
A comprehensive survey of families residing in all 18 PVTG-dominated districts of the state is being conducted and their information is being uploaded to the “Survey Setu App.” To understand the actual status of PVTG families and connect them with schemes, door-to-door surveys are being conducted through the mobile app.
Principal Secretary Sonmoni Borah stated that this digital survey is providing an accurate assessment of the physical and social status of PVTG families, ensuring effective delivery of government scheme benefits to the actual beneficiaries. He stated that this initiative will prove to be a milestone towards achieving 100% coverage of the PVTG community.
This survey is being conducted under the direction of the department’s minister, Ramvichar Netam, while Principal Secretary i Borah himself is continuously monitoring it. Previously, necessary instructions were issued to the collectors of all the concerned districts to expedite the survey work.
The 18 districts in the state where this survey is underway include Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Bilaspur, Dhamtari, Narayanpur, Jashpur, Surguja, Balodabazar, Kondagaon, Kanker, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Mungeli, Gariaband, Balrampur, Korba, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Kabirdham, Raigarh, and Mahasamund.
As per government instructions, committees have been formed at the district, development block, and village panchayat levels to successfully conduct this survey. At the district level, the committee is chaired by the collector, while at the development block level, the chief executive officer and at the village level, survey teams are carrying out this process.
During the survey, detailed information about each family will be collected and linked to a “PVTG Entitlement Card,” ensuring transparency and effectiveness in the distribution of benefits under the schemes. This will also provide accurate data to the government for future policy development.
As directed by the Government of India, this survey is scheduled to be completed by April 2026. This is being continuously reviewed and monitored at the district and block levels. Field staff are also actively reaching out to villages to ensure the survey is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Principal Secretary Sonmoni Bora expressed confidence that this initiative will not only improve the living standards of the PVTG community but also provide a new impetus to inclusive development in the state.
