The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), a national campaign aimed at accelerating inclusive development in tribal-dominated areas, was officially launched across various districts of Nagaland between June 15 and 18. With the objective of ensuring saturation and awareness of key government schemes at the grassroots level, the campaign will cover 608 villages in 17 districts across the state.
The State-Level “Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp” was formally launched on June 18 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex in Kohima with Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi, as the special guest. Speaking at the event, Ayemi called DA-JGUA a “very interesting” and significant campaign, stating, “As tribals, we are generally located in the most backward and interior areas… we are far behind.” He stressed that the programme is in alignment with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and urged district officials to work collectively to ensure full utilization of resources.
State Nodal Officer for DA-JGUA, Imsumeren, presented the framework and vision of the campaign, informing that the mission would run from 2024-25 to 2028-29 and involve the convergence of 17 line departments. Joint Secretary of Tribal Affairs, T.L. Kiusumong, highlighted the inception and core mandate of the Department of Tribal Affairs—to empower tribal communities through convergence and awareness.
In Tuensang, the district campaign was launched on June 17 at Hakchang village under Sangsangyu Block. Led by EAC Tuensang and District Nodal Officer Er. Moasanen Imsong, the campaign covered seven villages—Sangsangyu, Maksha, Hakchang, Nyinyem, Kejok, Konya, and Momching. Ten departments participated to deliver services such as pension schemes (IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, IGNDPS), PMMVY, PM-Kisan, Kisan Credit Cards, ration cards, Ayushman Bharat, MNREGA, Mudra loans, IPPB, Aadhaar corrections, and indigenous/ST/PRC certificates. The campaign will continue until June 30, covering 36 villages in total.
In Niuland, the campaign was launched on June 18 at Suhoi village public ground under Kuhuboto Sub-Division. Deputy Commissioner Sara S. Jamir stated, “This program is bringing the opportunity to your doorstep,” emphasizing the importance of both availing entitlements and promoting local products. The campaign included free health check-ups, sickle cell awareness, Aadhaar enrollment, and Ayushman Bharat registration, targeting six villages with participation from over 15 departments. EAC Vitoka Yepthomi and Head GB of Suhoi, Tokuho, also addressed the gathering.
In Kiphire, the campaign launch coincided with the Monthly District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting on June 18. Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer, the session included a presentation on DA-JGUA by EAC Takatemjen Pongen and Er. Konathang N Kyong of PWD (R&B). Developmental proposals such as the construction of a GB Customary Court and Tribal Hall were deliberated and forwarded for government action. New DPDB members were also introduced.
The Dharti Aaba Abhiyan campaign in Nagaland, under the leadership of the Tribal Affairs Department and respective district administrations, aims to bridge critical gaps in infrastructure, health, education, livelihoods, and welfare services in tribal areas through convergence. The program envisions inclusive, village-level development to ensure that no tribal household is left behind.
Director of Tribal Affairs, I Sino Phom, DC Kohima B. Henok Buchem, and other senior officials attended the Kohima event. The program was chaired by Rorheu Peseyie, SDO (C) and District Nodal Officer for DA-JGUA Kohima.
The campaign will run until June 30, with each district organizing camps in their respective villages to ensure tribal communities are fully covered under central and state government schemes.