In News:

The Central Government has recently sanctioned ?9 crore under the Jan Man Scheme (JanMan) for the development, welfare, and cultural preservation of the Maram Naga tribe of Manipur. This initiative aims to uplift vulnerable and marginalized tribal groups through targeted infrastructure creation, social welfare schemes, and cultural conservation.

Who are the MaramNagas?

• The Maram Naga tribe is part of the Naga ethnic group inhabiting:
  • Northeastern India, primarily Manipur
  • Western Myanmar
• Major concentration is in:
  • Senapati district (primary habitat)
  • Kangpokpi district
• Estimated population in Manipur: around 50,000
• They belong ethnically to the Mongoloid race within the Tibeto-Burman family.

Language

• The Maram language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family.
• Dialects vary by geographical region.
• Written using Roman script.

Occupation and Livelihood

• Agriculture is the dominant occupation.
• Practice both:
  • Shifting cultivation (jhum)
  • Wet cultivation
• Hunting serves as an important secondary occupation.

Belief System and Festivals

• They worship supernatural benevolent and malevolent forces, reflecting animistic traditions.
• Major festivals include:
  • Punghi – celebrated in July
  • Kanghi – celebrated in December
• A unique women-centric festival, Mangkang, is observed annually in April.
• Traditional Morungs (youth dormitories) form the core of their socio-cultural life.

Government Initiatives under Jan Man Scheme

The ?9 crore sanctioned fund will support:

1. Welfare and Housing

• Implementation of:
  • PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana)
  • Ayushman Bharat
• Construction of Anganwadi Centres.

2. Community Infrastructure

• Building of:
  • Community halls
  • Water storage structures
  • Basic civic amenities

3. Cultural Preservation

• Protection and restoration of:
  • Traditional Morungs
  • Indigenous art forms
  • Ancestral practices

4. Empowerment and Self-reliance

• Boosting local livelihoods and skill development in line with:
  • “Development for everyone – together we trust progress.”
• Enhancing tribal access to government schemes.