Press Information Bureau

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, committed to the holistic development and empowerment of tribal communities across the country, organized a one-day workshop on the framework of the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) on 16th September 2025 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), Janpath Road, New Delhi.

DDG, MoTA set the context by indicating the persistence of development gaps despite an increase in allocation. The workshop was inaugurated by JS&FA, Ministry of Tribal Affairs who explained why a dialogue on the outcome orientation of DAPST allocation is crucial. She also pointed out the practical challenges in this regard. Shri Ganesh DS, MoTA explained the significance of the Adi Karmyogi Abhiyaan and its potential to transform tribal governance through bottom-up planning

Under the DAPST framework, 41 Ministries/Departments spanning various sectors relating to education, health, agriculture, irrigation, roads, housing, electrification, employment generation, skill development etc. are mandated to allocate a specified percentage (ranging from 4.3% to 17.5%) of their total scheme budget, as prescribed by NITI Aayog guidelines, for the socio-economic development and upliftment of Scheduled Tribes (STs). The workshop provided a platform for in-depth discussions on various challenges related to the implementation and effective utilization of funds under these schemes and programmes.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs emphasized the critical need for efficient and outcome-oriented utilization of DAPST funds to ensure that the intended benefits reach tribal populations across the country. The schemes of the participating Ministries/Departments were discussed in detail through cluster wise breakout sessions, focusing on expanding the outreach and enhancing the scope to cover a larger tribal population.

In the context of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh declared by the Government of India, spanning 15th November 2024 to 15th November 2025, the Ministry has launched the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan — a pioneering responsive governance mission aimed at developing the world’s largest grassroots tribal leadership programme. This flagship initiative, launched under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was also introduced to the participating ministries to sensitize them about its objectives and expected impact.

It was stated that the village visioning exercise would lead to estimation of gaps at village level and concretizing of the needs of tribal community at granular level. These VAPs (Village Action Plans) may be correlated with specific DAPST scheme of relevant Ministry and may be utilised by it while redesigning these schemes for catering to specific tribal requirements through DAPST funds.

Through such targeted efforts, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs reaffirms its commitment to empowering tribal communities, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last mile.

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RN/