The Dhartia Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) was officially launched on November 15, 2024, at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Mokokchung. The initiative coincides with the 150th birth Anniversary celebrations of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter and social reformer.
In her welcome address, Shreyansee Jain, IAS, SDO (C), emphasized the significance of Munda’s vision for self-sufficient villages, highlighting how the scheme aims to foster holistic development in tribal areas. She described the program as a transformative movement that promises improved infrastructure, education, and living standards in rural communities.
In his keynote address, Additional Deputy Commissioner Chumlamo Humtsoe shared a brief account of Birsa Munda’s extraordinary contributions as a tribal leader who inspired resistance against oppression during British rule. Humtsoe urged attendees to adopt Munda’s vision of collective rights and community empowerment, inspiring them to work towards a just and inclusive society.
He noted that, along with the rest of the country, Mokokchung will be celebrating Munda’s legacy until November 26, with programs and activities across schools and villages to raise awareness.
The program also included a cultural performance by folk artist Limayanger, and the Chairman of Mokokchung Village Council spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries. The event was chaired by Rovinuo Kehie, Assistant Urban Development Officer.
The Dharti Abba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, launched nationally on October 2, 2024, aims to uplift tribal communities and improve their socio-economic conditions. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram stated that over 600 villages across 16 districts in Nagaland would benefit from the scheme.
Highlighting the national scope, Oram revealed that the scheme covers 63,000 tribal-majority villages across 549 districts in 30 states and Union Territories, with a total outlay of ¹ 79,156 crore. He noted that the central government would contribute ¹ 56,333 crore, while states would share ¹ 22,823 crore.
“The scheme includes provisions for housing, employment opportunities, and educational scholarships for tribal youth,” Oram explained. He added that 25 sector-specific interventions would be implemented under the initiative, with 17 Union ministries responsible for overseeing their respective schemes, coordinated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.