PIB News Update: Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta has informed that A total of 1770 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) have so far been sanctioned in 22 States & one Union Territory for promotion of tribal entrepreneurship and livelihood generations wherein a total of about 5.27 Lakhs beneficiaries have been associated. This includes 5 VDVKs sanctioned for Uttar Pradesh State as per details below:
| Sl.
No. |
NameofDistrict | Name of
VDVKs sanctioned |
Amount Sanctioned(InRs.Lakhs) |
NumberofSelfHelpGroup | Number ofBeneficiaries |
| 1 | Sonbhadra | 3 | 45.00 | 45 | 947 |
| 2 | Lalitpur | 2 | 14.55 | 15 | 291 |
| Total | 5 | 59.55 | 60 | 1238 | |
It is envisaged to scale up implementation of the program in 26 States and 308 Districts including 39 aspirational districts where significant forest dwelling tribal population and rich source of Minor Forest Produces. Further it is envisaged to explore opportunities to forge convergence with other central line Ministries to boost the initiative.