Lack of livelihood opportunities for tribal people is one of the chief causes of their backward status as compared with the other social groups. This issue is aggravated by the high rate of displacements faced by tribal people due to various industrial projects etc., which also causes loss of livelihood for them among other things. This Ministry has been taking various steps for facilitating sustainable livelihood for tribal populations in different sectors. Stress has been given on vocational education and formal technical education for tribal youth. States are being encouraged to take upskill development initiatives for tribal youth with at least 50% of such activities to be oriented for women.

Through MyGov, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs seeks suggestions/information from all sections of the society regarding various livelihood possibilities for tribal people, availability of skilled/unskilled manpower still unemployed, various traditional skills available with the tribal population, new trends and interests among tribal youth, corresponding skilling needs and possibilities etc.