The State Level "Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp," program under the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, was held at the DC Office Complex, Kohima, with Advisor for Tribal Affairs & Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, as the special guest on 18th June 2025.
While officially launching the Camp, Ayemi stated that the camp will be held from 15th to 30th June 2025, and is being organized for the benefit of tribal communities in Nagaland and across India. Describing the Abhiyan as a "very interesting" programme, the Advisor urged all district officials to judiciously utilize the available funds for the benefit of the 608 villages covered under the programme in the state.
“As tribals, we are generally located in the most backward and interior areas, and as a community, we are far behind,” Ayemi remarked. He added that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in collaboration with the State Government under Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, is committed to the development of tribal communities in line with the national goal of Viksit Bharat — to become a fully developed nation by 2047.
He further mentioned that the state government is working on a roadmap to contribute to India’s aspiration of becoming one of the largest economies in the world. “When our state is developed, India will definitely be developed,” he said, adding that no part of the country will be left behind in this endeavour. He emphasized that the Mission was conceived in line with this vision and called on all line department officials to work collectively to ensure that the villages in Nagaland are able to catch up and also serve as a model for other states.
Delivering the keynote address, Joint Secretary of Tribal Affairs, T.L. Kiusumong, spoke on the inception of the Department of Tribal Affairs and its core objective of empowering tribal communities. He stated that under the Mission, various activities will be conducted in villages and blocks by line departments under the leadership of the respective Deputy Commissioners.
Through a PowerPoint presentation, State Nodal Officer for DA-JGUA, Imsumeren, explained that the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) aimed at fostering inclusive and accelerated development in tribal-dominated villages. The campaign seeks to bridge critical gaps in infrastructure, education, healthcare, livelihood, and basic services through the convergence of government schemes.
He informed that the mission will cover 17 districts, 74 blocks, and 608 villages in Nagaland over a five-year period from 2024-25 to 2028-29, involving the convergence of 17 line departments. A detailed presentation was given outlining the vision, scope, and framework of the mission.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, delivered the welcome address. The function was chaired by SDO (C) and District Nodal Officer for DA-JGUA, Rorheu Peseyie. Director, Tribal Affairs, I Sino Phom also attended the program.
(DPRO Kohima)
