Q2(b) · UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026 · Anthropology GS 2 · 15 marks · 2 min read

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'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aims to meet some of the Sustainable Development Goals'. Discuss

Page facts
Exam
Union Public Service Commission — Civil Services Examination (UPSC)
Board
UPSC
Stage
Mains
Year
2026
Paper
UPSC Mains — Anthropology GS 2 (Paper II) (Anthropology GS 2)
Question
Q2(b)
Marks
15
Topic
Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization
Syllabus
1.1 Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization—Prehistoric (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Neolithic-Chalcolithic), Protohistoric (Indus Civilization). Pre-Harappan, Harappan and post-Harappan cultures. Contributions of the tribal cultures to Indian civilization.

Topic: Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization. Syllabus: 1.1 Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization—Prehistoric (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Neolithic-Chalcolithic), Protohistoric (Indus Civilization). Pre-Harappan, Harappan and post-Harappan cultures. Contributions of the tribal cultures to Indian civilization. Same official PYQ from year-wise 2026 and Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization.

Revision summary

The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan targets comprehensive development in tribal majority villages through saturated coverage of critical social and economic infrastructure. By bridging gaps in health, education, livelihood, and housing, the mission directly operationalizes multiple Sustainable Development Goals. It aligns local tribal welfare with global developmental targets, ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups and other tribal communities. The initiative utilizes a multi-ministerial convergence model to address historical developmental deficits in remote forested and hilly habitations. It represents a paradigm shift from fragmented schematic implementation to holistic tribal area development. Understanding this convergence is essential for civil services aspirants addressing tribal administration and contemporary socio-cultural dynamics in India.

Model answer

Copper italics in this answer — like this — are the key facts. Each one is unpacked in the Facts & figures rail.

Introduction

The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan represents a major programmatic push to saturate tribal villages with critical infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. By addressing systemic deprivation, the mission directly maps onto the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, advancing inclusive growth for indigenous communities.

Body

Multi-Sectoral Convergence Model

  • Comprehensive Reach: The Abhiyan coordinates interventions across multiple central ministries to saturate 55,000 plus tribal villages, ensuring last-mile delivery of essential services.
  • Infra-Structure Focus: It targets critical gaps in pucca housing, road connectivity, piped drinking water, and mobile medical units in remote scheduled areas.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

  • Poverty and Hunger: Direct linkage to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through livelihood generation, MFP processing, and subsidized food security.
  • Health and Education: Advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) via upgraded residential schools, mobile health clinics, and sickle cell anemia elimination missions.
  • Economic Growth and Infrastructure: Supports SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through skill development and rural electrification.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Communities

  • PVTG Focus: Special attention is given to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups under PM-JANMAN convergence to protect their distinct cultural and demographic survival.
  • Institutional Support: Strengthening of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras and community forest resource rights ensures socio-economic empowerment alongside ecological stewardship.

Flow diagram

flowchart TD
A[Dharti Aaba Abhiyan] --> B[Multi-Sectoral Convergence]
A --> C[Critical Infrastructure]
B --> D[SDG 1 & 2 Poverty & Hunger]
B --> E[SDG 3 & 4 Health & Education]
C --> F[SDG 8 & 9 Livelihoods & Infra]
A --> G[PM-JANMAN Integration]

Conclusion

The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan bridges traditional welfare administration with modern global development indices. By anchoring local tribal empowerment within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, it ensures that India's indigenous populations participate equitably in national progress while preserving their distinct cultural identity.

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Q5(c) · UPSC Mains 2026 · Anthropology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.

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Article 371A of the Indian Constitution grants special autonomous status to Nagaland, protecting its traditional socio-religious practices, customary laws, and land ownership rights. Enacted via the 13th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1962, following the 16-point Agreement, it reflects the asymmetrical federal framework of India. The article places a special responsibility on the Governor regarding law and order and regional financial allocations. It balances tribal autonomy with national integration, though it faces implementation challenges in modern governance.

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