PIB Summary - 21st August 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Transformation of India’s Defence and Internal Security Posture

India’s Defence and Internal Security Transformation (2014-2025)

Context and Background

Pre-2014 Scenario

• India heavily relied on imports for its defence needs, making it one of the top arms importers globally.
• Defence procurement faced delays, lacked transparency, and had poor participation from the private sector.
• Internal security issues were rampant, with widespread Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), frequent terror attacks, and porous borders.

Post-2014 Shift

• Security was redefined as non-negotiable.
• Emphasis on self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), deterrence, and proactive operations.
• Defence became integrated with broader national development aspects like technology, economy, food, and finance.

Defence Expenditure and Production

Defence Budget Growth

• The defence budget increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025–26.
• Although the defence share of GDP remains modest (around 2–2.5%), it is now utilised more efficiently.

Defence Production

• Achieved a record defence production of ₹1.50 lakh crore in 2024–25, tripling the figures from 2014–15.
• Development of indigenous platforms, including fighter jets, missile systems, artillery, warships, and aircraft carriers.
• Defence exports saw a 34-fold increase, reaching ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25, with exports to over 100 nations, including advanced economies like the US and France.

Key Reforms for Self-Reliance

• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. Prioritises local procurement and encourages indigenous design and manufacturing.
• Make in India Initiatives. Includes Make-I, II, and III projects to boost local manufacturing and innovation.
• FDI Liberalisation. Facilitates foreign direct investment in defence sectors.
• Innovation Ecosystem. Initiatives like iDEX and TDF promote defence innovation and research.
• Indigenisation Portals. Platforms like SRIJAN list items for local development, promoting self-reliance.
• Offsets and Strategic Partnerships. Enhance transparency in contracts and promote technology transfer and infrastructure development through strategic partnerships.

Technology Push

• AI and Next-Generation Technology. Initiatives like the Defence AI Council and focus areas for DRDO in space, cyber, robotics, and soldier support.
• Future Readiness. Sudarshan Chakra Mission aims for predictive defence technologies and an all-Indian R&D and manufacturing framework by 2035.

Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Posture

• Proactive Operations. Series of surgical strikes and air strikes in response to terror attacks, showcasing a shift to proactive defence measures.
• New Norms on Pakistan. A doctrine of firm responses to terrorism, non-tolerance of nuclear blackmail, and prioritising talks on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Internal Security Stabilisation

• Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Significant reduction in incidents and casualties, with a focus on security and development in affected areas.
• Development Initiatives. Infrastructure and welfare schemes expanded in previously cut-off regions to aid in stabilisation and development.

National Security Beyond Defence

• Food Security. Increase in food production and distribution initiatives like PMGKAY and PM-KISAN.
• Financial Security. Improvement in financial inclusion and account ownership metrics.
• Dairy and Fisheries. Growth in milk and fish production, with India becoming the world’s largest milk producer and doubling inland fish production. 
• Technology and Industry. Initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and indigenous chip production. 

• Strategic Impact

  • Shift in Global Image. Transition from a passive security stance to an assertive regional power and emerging exporter. 
  • Doctrinal Evolution. Development of a preventive posture and integrated security view encompassing defence, economy, energy, and finance. 

• Conclusion

  •  The transformation of India’s defence and internal security from 2014 to 2025 is fundamental and structural, focusing on self-reliance, innovation, and comprehensive security. 
  •  Achievements include becoming a global exporter, enhancing technological self-reliance, and reducing vulnerabilities to Left-Wing Extremism and terrorism. 
  •  India is now positioned to speak and act from a place of strength, aiming for a developed Bharat by 2047, with a security doctrine that integrates hard power, economic resilience, and technological leadership.

 SCHEMES FOR TRIBAL AREAS

Context and Constitutional Framework

• Scheduled Tribes (STs): Recognized under Article 342 of the Constitution, the development of STs is a constitutional commitment.
• Directive Principles: Article 46 directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, with a special focus on STs.

Special Provisions:

• Article 275(1): Provides for Special Central Assistance (SCA) as grants to states with a significant ST population for their welfare.
• Fifth Schedule: Governs the administration of Scheduled Areas.
• Sixth Schedule: Establishes Autonomous District Councils in northeastern states for the administration of tribal areas.

Institutional Mechanism for Tribal Development

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA): The nodal ministry responsible for the development of Scheduled Tribes.
• Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST):. strategy involving 41 ministries and departments earmarking a portion of their budget for tribal development, focusing on bridging gaps in education, health, agriculture, skill development, and infrastructure between ST and non-ST populations. MoTA ensures the convergence of schemes across different ministries.

Major Schemes and Programmes

Core and Flagship Initiatives

Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (2024–29):

• Launched by the Prime Minister, this initiative includes 25 interventions across 17 ministries.
• Target: To saturate 63,843 villages in 30 States and Union Territories, benefiting 5 crore tribals.
• Budget: ₹79,156 Crore (Centre: ₹56,333 Crore; States: ₹22,823 Crore).
• Focus Areas: Health, education, Anganwadi infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN, 2023–26):

• Launched on November 15, 2023, coinciding with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
• Outlay: ₹24,000 Crore.
• Focus: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Goals: Safe housing, clean water, sanitation, road and telecom connectivity, electrification, health, nutrition, and livelihood.

Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM):

• Features: Merges schemes for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and marketing of tribal products.
• Focus Areas: MSP fixation and procurement for MFP, sustainable collection and value addition, market intelligence, and value chain infrastructure.

Education and Human Resource Development

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):

• Initiative: Started in 2018–19 to establish 728 schools in areas with over 50% ST population and at least 20,000 STs.
• Beneficiaries: 3.5 lakh ST students expected to benefit from this initiative.

Scholarships:

• Pre-Matric (IX–X): For students from families with an annual income of ₹2.5 Lakh or less. Day scholars receive ₹225/month, and hostellers receive ₹525/month. Funding is shared between Centre and State, with a higher proportion for northeastern and hilly states.
• Post-Matric: Similar income criteria as pre-matric. Covers compulsory fees and provides a stipend ranging from ₹230 to ₹1200/month, with the same funding ratio.
• National Overseas Scholarship: 20 awards per year for students from ST communities, with an income limit of ₹6 Lakh.
• National Fellowship (MPhil/PhD) and Top Class Education: 750 fellowships per year for students from ST communities, with an income limit of ₹6 Lakh.

Social Security and Welfare

• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): This programme includes Scheduled Tribes among its beneficiaries, providing financial support to various vulnerable groups.
• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Under the NSAP, this scheme provides pensions to Below Poverty Line (BPL) individuals aged 60 years and above, contributing to the social security of elderly citizens, including those from ST communities.
• Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organizations: The government provides financial assistance to voluntary organizations working in areas such as education, health, hostels, dispensaries, and livelihood support for tribal communities. This includes support for initiatives aimed at improving the living standards and welfare of ST populations.

Research, Culture, and Heritage

• Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) fully funds activities of TRIs, which include research, training, documentation, establishing tribal museums, and promoting tribal culture. This funding aims to enhance the understanding and preservation of tribal heritage and support capacity building within tribal communities.

West Bengal Fund Flow Snapshot (2022-25)

Education Scholarships

• Pre-Matric: 2022–23: ₹29.89 Crore. 2023–24: Data Not Available. 2024–25: Provisional (yet to be updated).
• Post-Matric: 2022–23: ₹34.06 Crore. 2023–24: ₹35.00 Crore. 2024–25: Provisional.

Development of PVTGs

• 2022–23: ₹665.95 Lakh.
• 2023–24: ₹0 (gap year).
• 2024–25: ₹1631.05 Lakh (Provisional).

NSTFDC Loans (Tribal Finance & Development)

• 2022–23: ₹1643.33 Lakh.
• 2023–24: ₹1526.59 Lakh.
• 2024–25: ₹2233.75 Lakh (Provisional).

Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)

• 2022–23: ₹3495.20 Lakh.
• 2023–24: ₹0.00.
• 2024–25: ₹0.00 (Provisional).

Article 275(1) Grants

• 2022–23: ₹4186.5 Lakh.
• 2023–24: ₹4744.4 Lakh.
• 2024–25: ₹3549.61 Lakh (Provisional).

Grant-in-Aid to NGOs

• 2022–23: ₹476.1 Lakh.
• 2023–24: ₹1167.79 Lakh.
• 2024–25: ₹1390.18 Lakh (Provisional).

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

• 2022–23: ₹2303.67 Lakh.
• 2023–24: ₹1869.70 Lakh.
• 2024–25: ₹1789.50 Lakh (Provisional).

Key Observations

• Shift to Mission Mode: Initiatives like PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Abhiyan reflect a move towards convergence-driven, saturation-based development, focusing on infrastructure and livelihoods for tribal communities.
• Focus on PVTGs: There is a dedicated budget and a saturation approach aimed at improving the conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups within a three-year timeframe.
• Education Push: Expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools and a comprehensive scholarship framework from school level to PhD and overseas education for tribal students.
• Financial Inclusion: NSTFDC loans are showing a steady increase, promoting tribal entrepreneurship and financial inclusion within tribal communities.
• Fund Utilization in West Bengal: There are noticeable fluctuations in fund utilization, such as the drop in PVTG funds to zero in 2023–24 and the halt of PMAAGY after 2022–23. Scholarships and EMRS grants are consistent but modest, while Article 275(1) funds remain steady with a slight decline projected for 2024–25.

Overall Takeaways

•  Tribal policy has evolved from a welfare-based approach to a rights-based and now to a saturation and mission-mode convergence strategy. 
•  There is a strong emphasis on education, livelihood improvement, infrastructure development, and the inclusion of PVTGs in tribal development initiatives. 
•  A persistent challenge is the irregular flow of funds and inter-year fluctuations, particularly in West Bengal. 
•  The role of constitutional provisions, such as Article 275(1) and the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, along with the DAPST convergence strategy, is crucial in guiding tribal development efforts. 
•  A key trend is the integration of tribal development with mainstream growth initiatives, exemplified by schemes like MSP, EMRS, skill development, and infrastructure projects.