DAJA 2025: India’s Largest-Ever Tribal Empowerment Movement

The Government of India has unveiled the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA), the largest tribal empowerment campaign in the history of independent India. Running from 15 June to 15 July 2025, this month-long movement is directly reaching over 5.5 crore tribal citizens across 31 States and Union Territories, spanning 550+ districts and over 1 lakh tribal villages and PVTG habitations.

This massive campaign reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs taking the lead in inclusive governance.

The Spirit Behind DAJA: Honoring Birsa Munda

Named in honor of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, revered as Dharti Aaba (Father of the Earth), DAJA is part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, celebrating tribal heritage, resilience, and identity. The campaign symbolizes a long-overdue commitment to placing tribal voices at the center of India’s developmental journey.

Massive Reach and Ground-Level Impact

In just the first nine days, DAJA has:

• Reached 53+ lakh tribal citizens

• Held 22,000+ tribal empowerment camps

• Facilitated over 1.38 lakh Aadhaar enrolments

• Issued more than 1.68 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards

• Registered over 46,000 tribal farmers under PM-Kisan

• Enrolled 22,000+ women under PM Ujjwala Yojana

• Opened 32,000+ new PM Jan Dhan accounts

These figures reflect a ground-breaking achievement in last-mile delivery and scheme saturation — ensuring no eligible tribal citizen is left behind.

Five Pillars of DAJA: A New Governance Model

1. Janbhagidari (People’s Participation) – Empowering tribal communities to lead and participate

2. Saturation – Aiming for 100% coverage of eligible beneficiaries

3. Cultural Inclusion – Engaging through tribal languages, traditions, and art

4. Convergence – Uniting ministries, civil society, youth groups under one mission

5. Last-Mile Delivery – Reaching remotest habitations with welfare services

Leadership Speaks: Voices Behind the Movement

• Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs:

“This is not merely a campaign — it is a mass movement for dignity, inclusion, and respect.”

• Shri Durga Das Uikey, MoS for Tribal Affairs:

“The rising involvement of tribal youth and women showcases a new spirit of aspiration and inclusion.”

• Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, Tribal Affairs:

“From real-time digital dashboards to cultural revival, DAJA is setting a governance benchmark.”

Snapshots from Across the Nation

Ladakh

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Rongo village, promoting millet-based nutrition among tribal populations.

Madhya Pradesh

Governor Mangubhai Patel launched DAJA in Sehore, merging welfare with cultural celebration.

Assam

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the initiative in Guwahati, terming it a “new chapter” in tribal development.

Maharashtra

CM Devendra Fadnavis emphasized tribal entrepreneurship and self-reliance through multiple camp launches.

Andhra Pradesh

The state’s DAJA launch at Parvathipuram Manyam focused on forest-dwelling vulnerable tribal groups.

Kerala

A Tribal Conclave in Wayanad brought together planning teams to reinforce collaborative efforts.

A People’s Campaign: Nationwide Mobilisation

• 550+ districts and 3,000+ blocks actively engaged
• Participation from 700+ tribal communities and 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
• Youth-led involvement by MY Bharat, NSS, and tribal student groups
• Cultural celebrations including tribal food festivals, dance events, and handicraft exhibitions