Government launches Aadi Karmayogi mission to empower tribal communities

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a significant step towards achieving Viksit Bharat @2047, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the Regional Process Lab (RPL) of the Aadi KARMAYOGI – National Mission for Responsive Governance. The initiative aims to build a dynamic cadre of two million tribal grassroots functionaries and village-level change leaders to drive development and strengthen last-mile service delivery in tribal areas.

The national mission serves as a strategic capacity-building hub, training State Master Trainers (SMTs) from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Aligned with flagship initiatives such as PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA, Aadi KARMAYOGI heralds the next chapter in governance innovation, built on the pillars of convergence, community participation, and capability building.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, said, “Aadi Karmayogi is a game-changer for tribal India. Through this cadre of two million change leaders, we are institutionalising dignity, accountability, and service delivery in the most remote corners of our country.”
Responding to the initiative, Durgadas Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, said, “This Abhiyan is not just about governance – it is about restoring pride, identity, and voice to our tribal communities. Trained Aadi Karmayogis will become agents of hope and transformation.”

Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, praised the Abhiyan as a “timely and transformative intervention” in the tribal development landscape. She underscored the importance of culturally grounded and locally resonant programmes. Karnataka, she affirmed, will extend full institutional support through training infrastructure such as SIRD Mysore, Extension Training Centres, and Panchayat-level facilities to empower SMTs and DMTs.

The Secretary, Tribal Welfare, Karnataka, Randeep D, highlighted Karnataka’s strong record in implementing flagship schemes like PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA. While acknowledging significant progress, he noted that the Aadi KARMAYOGI mission would help close the critical last-mile delivery gap through a cadre-based capacity-building model.

Aadi KARMAYOGI, a mission for every stakeholder, is built on convergence across key ministries, including Tribal Affairs, Rural Development, Women & Child Development, Jal Shakti, School Education, and Forests.

The Ministry will soon host the Aadikarita National Meet, where outstanding SMTs and DMTs will be recognised as India’s tribal empowerment champions – true Karmayogis of governance transformation.