The Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Upliftment Campaign, a flagship initiative of the Central Government, was officially launched in Raigad district today. District Collector Kishan Jawale appealed to the tribal community to actively participate and benefit from the campaign while addressing the inaugural event held at Bhagyalakshmi Hall in Alibag.
The event was attended by CEO Neha Bhosale, Sub-Divisional Officer Mukesh Chavan, District Health Officer Dr. Suryawanshi, Project Director Priyadarshini More, Pen Integrated Tribal Development Project Officer Atmaram Dhabe, Tehsildar Vikram Patil, and other dignitaries.
Collector Jawale emphasized that although the campaign is scheduled for five years, the government is committed to delivering the benefits of all schemes to tribal citizens within a single year. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2024, the campaign aims to accelerate socio-economic development among India’s tribal populations. In Raigad, the initiative will be implemented across 113 tribal villages in 14 talukas, with plans to include additional villages at the local level.
The program coincides with the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. It is being organized jointly by the District Collectorate and the Tribal Development Department, Alibag.
A special initiative called Samvad Setu has also been launched in the district to establish direct communication with tribal communities. Under this, officers will visit village panchayats twice a week and engage with local residents to address their concerns. Each week, at least two tribal hamlets will be visited by officials. Efforts are also being made to implement the concept of “Jobs in Every Village” to curb migration by creating local employment opportunities.
Key components of the campaign include infrastructure development such as roads, medical camps, and essential services in remote tribal settlements. Emergency aid will be prioritized during the monsoon season for villages cut off due to floods. A total of 17 government departments are collaborating under the campaign, which will execute 25 different types of initiatives.
Post-inauguration, camps are being organized across various locations, with officers conducting field visits. According to the District Collector, the campaign will go beyond routine government schemes by leveraging administrative innovation and proactive engagement.
Government departments also set up informational stalls at the venue. The Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan will run from June 15 to 30, 2025. The Alibag Tehsil Office facilitated voter registration, ration card issuance, and various welfare schemes through dedicated stalls by the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana, Civil Supplies, and SETU departments.
During the event, 43 new voters were registered, and 15 correction forms (Form 8) were submitted for existing voter records. Tribal beneficiaries were also distributed ration cards under the Antyodaya scheme, as well as income, age, caste, and non-creamy layer certificates. The Agriculture Department distributed seeds and Abha health cards.
The program began with traditional tribal dance performances and a ceremonial lamp lighting. The introductory address was delivered by Tribal Development Project Officer Atmaram Dhabe. The event saw participation from a large number of government officials, media personnel, and tribal residents.
