Monthly Pension to 3 Lakh Tribals under Jai Johar Scheme in West Bengal

Over 3 lakh tribals in West Bengal get a monthly pension of ₹1000 under the Jai Johar Scheme.
Government recognizes many tribal languages and supports cultural heritage.
New laws protect tribal land rights with forest patta distribution and social security measures.

Jai Johar Scheme is an important plan by the West Bengal government to help tribal communities by giving a monthly pension of ₹1000 to more than 3 lakh tribals. This scheme is part of a wider set of tribal welfare programs that include language recognition, land rights protection, and social security measures. If you want to know how the government supports tribal welfare, this article covers all the key details about the Jai Johar Scheme and related programs.

Monthly Pension Benefits under Jai Johar Scheme

West Bengal government has announced a monthly pension of ₹1000 for over 3 lakh tribal beneficiaries under the Jai Johar Scheme. This pension aims to provide financial support and improve the living standards of tribal communities across the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made this announcement during the World Tribal Day celebrations held from 7th to 10th August 2025.

Tribal Welfare Programs by West Bengal Government

Besides the pension scheme, the government has taken several steps to promote the welfare and development of tribal people in West Bengal. These programs focus on preserving tribal culture, protecting land rights, and providing social protection.

Language and Cultural Recognition Efforts

The government has officially recognized many tribal languages including Santali, Kurukh, Kudmali, Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Rajbanshi, Kamtapuri, Odia, Punjabi, and Telugu. Efforts are also ongoing to improve the standards of the Sadri language. This recognition helps preserve the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities and promotes their languages in official and educational areas.

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Land Rights and Forest Patta Distribution

New laws have been passed to protect tribal land ownership. About 19.5 lakh Scheduled Tribes (ST) certificates have been issued, and the department’s budget has increased more than seven times since 2011 to support these efforts. Under the Forest Rights Act, around 49,000 tribals have received individual forest pattas, and 851 community forest pattas have been given out. These steps make sure tribal people have legal rights over their ancestral lands and forests.

Social Security and Development Boards for Tribals

Special social protection schemes have been started for at-risk tribal groups, including nearly 36,000 poor tribal kendu leaf collectors. To support tribal development, eight development boards and the Santali Academy have been set up. These institutions work towards the social and economic progress of tribal communities.

Official Holidays for Tribal Festivals

To honor tribal culture, the government has declared official holidays for important tribal festivals such as the birthdays of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Pandit Raghunath Murmu, Hul Diwas, and Karam Puja. These holidays recognize the cultural importance of tribal traditions and give opportunities for celebration and awareness.

With these wide-ranging steps, the West Bengal government continues to work towards the upliftment and support of tribal communities. If you belong to or work with tribal groups, staying informed about the Jai Johar Scheme and related welfare programs can help you access the benefits and support available.