The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) was officially launched on Friday at the SDO Office Complex in Tamenglong district, Manipur on Friday.
The event was attended by chief executive officer of ADC Tamenglong Kachamthai F Gangmei as the chief guest, additional SP Josiah T Pamei as guests of honor.
The chief guest in his speech stated that on October 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Hazaribag, Jharkhand.
With an outlay of over Rs 79,156 crore, this ambitious programme aims to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood development across approximately 63,843 tribal villages.
He also said that the Abhiyan benefits over Rs 5.38 crore tribal people across 549 districts and 2,911 blocks, spanning 30 states and Union Territories (UTs).
It integrated 25 interventions across 17 ministries and departments of the Government of India.
The programme also commemorated the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, coinciding with the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2024.
This dual celebration highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities while emphasising the need for their upliftment, he said.
The event attracted a diverse audience, alongside SDO Tamenglong D Meidinbui, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) president KC Savio, local village leaders, and numerous citizens from surrounding areas.
The folk song performed by Keihiamlung Panmei and a traditional dance by the Liangmai Naga Puimai Ruangdi (Liangmai Naga Union), showcasing the vibrant traditions of the region.
In a significant moment during the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scheme worth Rs 6,000 crore aimed specifically at the overall development of tribal populations across the country, which was broadcast live to attendees.
Nganthonang Daimai, a prominent community leader, took the opportunity to address the gathering, urging senior citizens to pass on their knowledge and values to younger generations. “It is crucial for them to show good qualities and not hide away what they have learned throughout their lives,” he emphasised.
He also voiced concerns regarding the government’s old age pension scheme, stating that the current amount of Rs 200 per month is insufficient and does not reflect the respect that elders deserve.
“The government should consider segregating pensions based on age to better cater to the needs of our senior citizens,” he added.
District level officials, CSO, village authorities of various wards and students organisations of Tamenglong headquarter attended the programme
