The Union Budget 2026–27 places Scheduled Tribes (STs) at the centre of India’s inclusive growth agenda by strengthening investments in education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and tribal area development. With a total allocation of about ₹15,422 crore for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Budget reinforces long-term structural support through flagship interventions such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), expanded pre- and post-matric scholarships, the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) for livelihoods, and targeted entrepreneurship support, including the Venture Capital Fund for STs. Major village-level initiatives like the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and constitutional grants under Article 275(1) further aim to bridge infrastructure and service gaps in Scheduled Areas. Overall, Budget 2026 signals a shift from welfare-only approaches towards empowerment, capability building and sustainable economic participation of tribal communities in the national development process.
Feb 2, 2026
ATSUM — The Divided Tribal Student Forum and Its Impact on Safeguarding Tribal Rights and Interests in Manipur
Abstract
The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has emerged as a central socio-political actor in the multi-ethnic landscape of Manipur, advocating for tribal rights, constitutional safeguards, and protection of indigenous interests. This paper examines ATSUM’s historical evolution, major mobilisations, strategies, and consequences on tribal protection, autonomy movements, and inter-community relations in the state. Through a review of secondary sources, news reports, and existing academic insights, this study highlights ATSUM’s role both in constructive advocacy for tribal constitutional rights and in intensifying ethnic tensions during key political controversies, particularly surrounding the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.