The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, informed the Lok Sabha that while the review of schemes and programmes implemented by TRIFED is an ongoing process, the key challenges faced by the organisation include market demand for tribal products, delayed fund utilization by State Implementing Agencies, and lack of market linkages.
In a written reply, the Minister shared that the financial assistance provided to TRIFED over the last five years amounted to Rs 170.74 crore (2020–21), Rs 255.90 crore (2021–22), Rs 135.27 crore (2022–23), Rs 151.28 crore (2023–24), and Rs 111.70 crore (2024–25).
Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), TRIFED has sanctioned 4,130 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), benefiting over 12.35 lakh tribal individuals, while under PM-JANMAN, 531 VDVKs have been sanctioned for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), benefiting 45,480 individuals. Together, these VDVKs have reported tribal product sales worth Rs 129.86 crore till date.
Additionally, TRIFED has procured tribal products worth Rs 97.18 crore from empanelled artisans and SHGs in the past five years for sale through Tribes India outlets and various e-commerce platforms. The Minister stated that there have been no delays or gaps in procurement, marketing, or payment disbursements to the tribal artisans.
VDVKs under PM-JANMAN and PMJVM are actively promoting livelihoods in remote and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected tribal areas.
Uikey also clarified that there is currently no plan to restructure TRIFED, and no recent third-party review of TRIFED’s schemes has been conducted.