Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the establishment of a separate Karnataka Tribal Development Corporation with an initial grant of ₹33.36 crore to promote the social, educational and economic development of Scheduled Tribe communities, particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday.
The proposed corporation will cover 33 Scheduled Tribe communities, with a special focus on particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) living in and around forest areas. These include the Irula, Soliga, Jenukuruba, Kadukuruba, Kudiya and Siddi communities.
Although Karnataka already has separate development corporations for Scheduled Tribes, Medara and nomadic communities, the government felt the need for a dedicated body to address the specific requirements of vulnerable tribal populations.
The corporation will formulate and implement targeted welfare schemes focusing on education, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, skill development, market access and livelihood opportunities.
The initiative fulfils an announcement made in the 2026-27 state budget by former chief minister Siddaramaiah.
The government expects the new corporation to strengthen targeted welfare delivery and improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities across Karnataka.