Odisha Prepares for Statewide Launch of ‘Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan’ to Empower Tribal Communities

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to roll out the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, to strengthen the delivery and impact of welfare schemes in tribal areas. A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja was held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Friday to finalise the roadmap for its implementation.

The programme aims to make tribal development schemes more inclusive and results-oriented by directly engaging communities and improving administrative capacities. B. Parameswaran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the ST & SC Development Department, highlighted its focus on ensuring access to housing, roads, education, healthcare, and livelihoods through an integrated approach.

As part of the initiative, 20 trained individuals in each tribal village—including teachers, doctors, Anganwadi workers, SHG members, Panchayati Raj representatives, youth volunteers, and local leaders—will act as change agents. Master trainers at the state, district, and block levels will guide these grassroots teams, with training already underway for officials and supporting agencies.

The Chief Secretary stressed coordinated efforts among departments and the involvement of PRIs, voluntary organisations, and local leadership to ensure success. The government reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable and participatory tribal development.