From Huts to Homes: PM Janman Scheme Transforms Lives of Birhor Families in Raigarh

Thatched huts replaced by permanent housing colonies; Security and stability bring joy and dignity to marginalised communities

Raipur : In the remote forest region of Dharamjaigarh in Raigarh district lies the village of Jabga, once known for its scattered thatched huts occupied by Birhor tribal families. These families, traditionally making ropes from forest vines and earning their living from the forest, never imagined owning a concrete home. Today, under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, that dream has become a reality.

Thanks to the scheme, seven Birhor families who once lived in fragile mud huts now reside in a neatly built housing colony, offering a new sense of security, dignity, and stability. The concrete houses, built under the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin), have not only protected them from harsh weather and wildlife but also brought visible happiness and hope to their lives.

Jabga village, situated nearly 100 km from the district headquarters and 20 km from the block centre, was once home to Birhor families who lived in forest caves until 2016. With help from local villagers of Balpeda Gram Panchayat, these families were brought closer to habitation and began living in makeshift homes. Permanent housing seemed like a distant dream — until now.

The families, known for making ropes from the Mahul tree and ‘Bagai’ grass, used to sell these handwoven items to meet their daily needs. Their diet primarily consisted of coarse grains like kodo and kanki. Living in kutcha homes meant constant exposure to storms, rains, and damage, resulting in yearly repairs and financial strain. Monsoons brought additional challenges like dampness and disease. These struggles have now been significantly alleviated with their new concrete homes.

A New Colony in Kurra Village

In Kurra, a village near Lailunga at the edge of Raigarh district, the transformation is equally remarkable. Here, 10 Birhor families now reside in a purpose-built colony with solid housing. Once dependent on grass-roofed huts, they now enjoy the comfort and safety of homes constructed as part of the PM Janman initiative.

The colony features a well-planned layout designed to keep the community together. It includes toilets built under Swachh Bharat Mission, along with road access, drinking water, and electricity provided by the district administration. These families have also been linked with other government welfare schemes, ensuring a holistic upliftment.

During monsoons, these tribal families previously feared snakes, scorpions, and other dangerous creatures. Today, those fears have been replaced with a sense of pride and relief. The Kurra Birhor Colony has become a symbol of change, drastically improving the quality of life and social integration for its residents.

Empowerment Through Inclusion

The PM Janman Yojana, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is proving to be a game-changer in bringing marginalised communities into the mainstream. In villages like Jabga and Kurra, the scheme has delivered more than just homes — it has brought hope, dignity, and a new beginning.

For families who once lived in leaky huts where snakes slithered during the rains, the newly built concrete homes have become symbols of safety and stability. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the Birhor families have expressed heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for transforming their lives.

This success story from Raigarh showcases how effective governance and compassionate policy can empower the most vulnerable, offering not just shelter, but also a pathway to a brighter future.