Koraput: In a major stride toward inclusive and equitable growth, 125 villages across five tribal-dominated blocks in Malkangiri district have been brought under the ambit of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). The initiative aims to transform the lives of around 23,000 individuals, many belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) such as the Bonda and Didayi communities.Officials confirmed that the scheme will be executed through a coordinated effort involving eight govt departments, targeting over 5,000 households across the blocks of Khairaput, Chitrakonda, Mathili, Korukonda, and Malkangiri.So far, 1,665 beneficiaries have been selected for housing under PM-JANMAN, and over 160 houses have already been completed, said collector (Malkangiri) Asish Iswar Patil.To address basic infrastructure gaps, mega drinking water projects are underway in 124 villages, with 10 systems operational. Simultaneously, the rural development department is spearheading construction of roads across five blocks.The department concerned has been asked to identify gaps where anganwadi centres are required, and we expect to complete their construction by year-end, the collector added.Healthcare access is also being prioritized, with seven mobile health units providing doorstep medical services across the region. The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) will construct 10 hostels for students from remote areas to ensure continued access to education.Officials said efforts are underway to enhance connectivity with mobile network services to be extended to 16 unconnected villages, of which three have already received coverage. In the agriculture sector, 6,326 farmers are set to receive free fertilizers and seeds, while five Van Dhan Vikas Kendras will be established as community resource hubs to boost local livelihoods.There are also plans to set up two new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) focusing on skill development programmes tailored for youth from the Bonda and Didayi tribes, Patil said. To strengthen the social fabric, three large community halls will be built to host cultural and social gatherings, reinforcing the holistic vision of the programme.The implementation of PM-JANMAN is a transformative initiative aimed at delivering justice, development, and integration for tribal communities, while preserving their unique cultural identity, the collector said.