The Government of Sikkim today formally launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, a comprehensive and forward-looking initiative aimed at fast-tracking the holistic development of tribal communities across the State. The launch took place at Ridge Park, Gangtok, during the medal felicitation ceremony of the Golden Jubilee High Altitude International Marathon 2025.
The Abhiyan was officially inaugurated by Minister for Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare, and Printing & Stationery Departments, Mr Samdup Lepcha. The initiative will be implemented under the Tribal Affairs Division of the Social Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, in alignment with the broader framework of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India.
The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is a flagship multi-sectoral initiative that builds upon the achievements of the PM-JANMAN scheme, with the aim of saturating tribal villages with critical infrastructure and essential services. Through the convergence of 17 central ministries and 25 targeted interventions, the programme seeks to address longstanding developmental gaps in 63,843 tribal villages across 549 districts and 2,911 blocks in 26 States and 4 Union Territories, directly benefiting approximately 5 crore tribal citizens.
The Abhiyan is designed to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth in tribal areas by focusing on the following developmental priorities:
• Access to safe and secure housing, along with potable drinking water
• Availability of improved sanitation and primary healthcare services
• Universal access to quality education and nutritional support
• Reliable electricity supply, with a strong focus on renewable energy adoption
• Strengthening of road and telecom connectivity, especially in remote areas
• Promotion of sustainable livelihoods through effective scheme convergence
Further, the Abhiyan also emphasises:
• Entrepreneurship development to foster economic self-reliance
• Skill enhancement and capacity building for tribal youth
• Bridging regional and social disparities through focused, inclusive strategies
The formal launch of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan marks a pivotal moment in Sikkim’s development journey.
The event had the presence of MLA cum Advisor, Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Departments Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, Area MLA cum Advisor, Forest & Environment Department Mr Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, Secretary Social Welfare Department Ms Sarika Pradhan, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs Department Ms Yangchen D Tamang, along with senior officials of the departments.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
