The Government of Nagaland officially launched the state-level “Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp” under the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan at the DC Office Complex in Kohima on Wednesday. The campaign, focused on strengthening grassroots governance and welfare delivery, was inaugurated by H. Tovihoto Ayemi, Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, who graced the occasion as the special guest. The Dharti Aaba Abhiyan, a nationwide initiative aligned with the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, will be implemented across 608 tribal villages in 17 districts and 74 blocks of Nagaland between June 15 and June 30, 2025. The multi-sectoral campaign aims to deliver the benefits of government schemes to remote tribal regions through collaboration among 17 different line departments.
Addressing the gathering, Ayemi described the initiative as a much-needed effort to bring development to the most interior and underdeveloped tribal areas. “As tribals, we often live in some of the most remote and neglected regions. This campaign is a step towards reversing that trend by ensuring our villages receive the benefits they deserve,” he said. Ayemi also stressed the importance of transparent and efficient fund utilization and praised the campaign’s role in achieving the national goal of inclusive growth. Joint Secretary for Tribal Affairs, T.L. Kiusumong, delivered the keynote address, in which he recounted the evolution of the Tribal Affairs Department and reaffirmed its commitment to uplifting marginalized communities. He noted that each district’s Deputy Commissioner will take the lead in rolling out activities at the block and village levels, ensuring that the campaign reaches the grassroots effectively.
Providing further details, State Nodal Officer Imsumeren said the campaign—formally known as the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA)—will run from 2024 to 2029 with a focus on improving key sectors like education, healthcare, livelihoods, sanitation, and infrastructure. The Abhiyan seeks to bridge longstanding development gaps through the convergence of government schemes and active public participation. The inaugural event was chaired by SDO (C) and District Nodal Officer Rorheu Peseyie, while Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem delivered the welcome address. Also present at the launch were Director of Tribal Affairs I. Sino Phom, senior officials from various departments, and representatives of civil society.
