SchemesTuesday, 8 September 2026·The Hindu - National
PM-JANMAN review: Parliament panel flags delay in response to Baiga child deaths in Madhya Pradesh
A Parliamentary Standing Committee reviewed PM-JANMAN and questioned the delay in responding to Baiga child deaths in Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In 2026, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment reviewed PM-JANMAN and questioned the government’s delayed response to Baiga tribe child deaths in Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh.
Key specifics
- PM-JANMAN was approved after the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
- The scheme has an outlay of ₹24,104 crore for 3 years, from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
- According to the Union Health Ministry, the first cases in Birsa block emerged in late June 2026, and the official death toll between June and August was 6.
- More than 100 children received treatment by mid-August 2026, while around 400 children were reported hospitalised over 6 weeks.
- A National Joint Outbreak Response Team was deployed to Balaghat only on August 12, 2026, and 6 mobile medical units were later mobilised.
Exam lens
Scheme and parliamentary oversight question: PM-JANMAN, ₹24,104 crore, 2023-24 to 2025-26, Balaghat, Birsa block, 6 deaths, 6 mobile medical units — a TNPSC-style question on tribal welfare and implementation gaps.