The department of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Kohima district administration, launched the state-level “Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp” under the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex on Wednesday.
Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi who was the special guest at the event highlighted that the campaign is being organized for the benefit of tribal communities in Nagaland and across India. Describing the campaign as a “very interesting” programme, Ayemi urged all district officials to judiciously utilize the available funds for the benefit of the 608 villages covered under the programme in the state. The saturation camps which began on June 15 will continue over a 15-day period, aiming to reach every district.
Mentioning about the initiative as a follow-up to a centrally launched scheme that was out on October 2, 2024, and officially launched nationwide on November 3, 2024, to address the developmental needs of tribal communities, Ayemi stated that the Government of India has directed all 19 concerned departments to brief district officials to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.
Referring to the 2011 Census data, the MLA highlighted that India has a tribal population of over 10.45 crore, most of whom reside in remote and underdeveloped areas. He emphasized on the need for inclusive development while stating that tribals must not be left behind in the nation’s journey towards becoming a developed country.
Further, he highlighted that the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, launched by the BJP-led NDA government, aims to transform India into a developed nation before 100 years of independence.
“India has already become the fourth-largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan. This transformation must be inclusive, with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes being key beneficiaries,” Ayemi stated. He also added that a budget outlay of nearly ₹80,000 crore has been allocated for this initiative to be implemented through various line ministries. The focus areas included health, rural development, road connectivity, animal husbandry, and livelihood generation.
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The MLA also stated that in Nagaland, approximately 9 lakh people are expected to benefit from the scheme, covering around 608 villages spread across 70 blocks. He added that the “whole-of-government” approach under the campaign aims to promote transparency, cooperation, and efficient use of resources. While mentioning that the central government is also committed to bridging gaps, providing solar power to off-grid tribal areas, infrastructure development for rural schools, and extending benefits under schemes like PM Awas Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayemi also maintained that the state government is working with the Centre to ensure full implementation of the schemes and to realise the shared goal of a Viksit Nagaland and a Viksit Bharat.
During the program, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem delivered a welcome address, followed by remarks from joint secretary Tribal Affairs LT Kiusumung Tikhir. A PowerPoint presentation on the schemes was presented by the State Nodal Officer for DA-JGUA (Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan).
The programme was chaired by Rorheu Peseyie, SDO (C) Headquarters and District Nodal Officer for DA-JGUA, and was attended by officials from various line departments.
