On October 15, 2024, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram held a state-level review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Dimapur, Nagaland, to evaluate the implementation of government-aided schemes for tribal development. The meeting was attended by district heads, department officials, and key legislators from Nagaland, including Moatoshi Longkumer, Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, and H Tovihoto Ayemi, Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election.
During his address, Oram emphasized the importance of assessing the progress of various tribal development schemes and programs. He reiterated the central government’s commitment to addressing the grievances of the people, stating, “We are working towards a ‘Vikasit Bharat’ (Developed India), particularly with a focus on the Northeast region.” He highlighted the flagship Aspirational Districts Programme as crucial for boosting development in underdeveloped areas.
Additionally, Oram introduced the Dharti Abba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2024, which aims to benefit over 5 crores tribal people across India by addressing critical gaps in social infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihood. In Nagaland, the scheme will cover all 16 districts, 74 blocks, and 608 villages to ensure comprehensive support for tribal communities.
Oram’s visit aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s directive for ministers to engage directly with the people, particularly in the Northeast. He urged local officials to effectively implement government schemes to reach the intended beneficiaries.
Moatoshi Longkumer expressed gratitude for Oram’s visit, highlighting the privilege it represents for the people of Nagaland, while also raising concerns about the state’s road infrastructure. H Tovihoto Ayemi echoed these sentiments, thanking Oram for his support.
Oram virtually inaugurated a new Council hall at Lake View Colony, Dimapur. Later that day, he officially inaugurated a new Community Hall in Indisen Village, Dimapur.
In his inaugural speech, Oram praised local leadership and the government’s commitment to rural infrastructure development. He highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, which focuses on improving living conditions for Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities across India. According to the 2011 Census, India’s ST population stands at 10.45 crores, representing 8.6% of the total population. Oram noted that despite progress in socio-economic development, tribal populations face ongoing challenges in education, healthcare, and other indicators.
He stated that the initiative builds upon previous models like the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), with a significant increase in budget allocation for tribal development. The Government’s 2023-24 budget has earmarked Rs 1,200,000 crores for tribal initiatives, involving 41 ministries, including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
The mission aims to create enabling infrastructure and improve socio-economic conditions in selected tribal-majority villages. Oram highlighted that the core objectives include boosting literacy, healthcare access, skill development, and infrastructure in tribal regions, striving to ensure that no village is left behind in terms of development.
H Tovihoto Ayemi commented on the importance of the new Community Hall, stating that it would promote unity, social cohesion, and cultural preservation among tribal communities. He urged the local community to utilize the facility for cultural events, meetings, and educational activities.
Moatoshi Longkumer described the visit as a “God-sent blessing,” emphasizing the hall as a “beating heart of the village’s future,” a place where the community can come together to shape their future. The event concluded with a benediction, marking the successful opening of a facility expected to become a cornerstone for local development, followed by a cultural presentation by the Indisen Village Youth Organization.