Rajouri, J&K (September 14, 2025): In a landmark push towards inclusive development, the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan—a national movement spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs—continues to gain momentum in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Launched as India’s largest tribal grassroots leadership initiative, the program aims to build a decentralized governance ecosystem by creating a cadre of 20 lakh committed change leaders across over one lakh tribal-dominated villages in 30 states and union territories. In Rajouri, it has made significant strides through block-level training initiatives, targeting the upliftment of 104 tribal villages and fostering self-reliant communities. The Abhiyan aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2030, integrating flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyaan (PM-JANMAN), Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), and the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission. By emphasizing community-led governance, it addresses critical gaps in service delivery, ensuring last-mile access to basic amenities for over 10.5 crore tribal citizens nationwide. President Droupadi Murmu recently hailed the initiative as a “transformational” effort reflecting the collective resolve to build an “Inclusive India,” noting the mobilization of 20 lakh Adi Karmayogis—including officials, volunteers, self-help group members, and tribal youth—across one lakh villages since its launch in July 2025.
Building Capacity Through Targeted Training
Recent efforts in Rajouri underscore the program’s hands-on approach to empowerment. A three-day District Process Lab Training Programme, organized by the District Administration and held from September 8 to 10 at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), concluded successfully on September 10. Inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, the workshop focused on capacity-building for field staff to strengthen governance and development in tribal areas. Sharma emphasized the shared responsibility of stakeholders in uplifting tribal communities, highlighting Rajouri’s vision for resilient and inclusive growth across its 104 tribal villages. The Vice Chancellor of BGSBU, Prof. [name not specified in sources], praised the collaborative platform created by the district administration, faculty, and participants. He stressed the role of such training in empowering Aadi Karmayogis, Aadi Sahyoogis (mentors like teachers and professionals), and Aadi Saathis (community supporters including SHG members and elders) as effective change agents in tribal societies. Key attendees included PO ICDS Harpal Singh, ACD Auqil Nuvaid, and other district officers, who reiterated the program’s potential to accelerate inclusive development.
Ground-Level Implementation and Future Plans
At the grassroots level, the Abhiyan is rolling out a multi-tiered training structure to ensure widespread impact. Block Development Officer Mohitshim Haneef elaborated on the initiative’s scope during a recent interaction in Rajouri. “The Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan is implemented all over India. It specifically aims to empower the tribal population… Many people from the tribal population in India do not have access to basic amenities. PM Modi has initiated this program to bridge that gap,” he stated. Haneef detailed the selection process: “Master trainers were selected from the state-level, and block-level trainers were selected from the district-level. Now we are preparing village-level trainers. They and people from every department will go to the villages and work there for 15 days continuously.” This immersive approach will culminate in Gram Sabha meetings scheduled for October 2, aimed at identifying and addressing implementation gaps. “I hope that this will close the gap, and we will be able to achieve the aim we are working towards,” Haneef added, underscoring the program’s role in fostering responsive governance through Adi Sewa Kendras—single-window hubs for grievance redressal and service delivery in tribal villages.
A Step Towards Viksit Bharat
The Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan not only democratizes development by involving Gram Sabhas in leader selection but also promotes mentorship from retired civil servants, tribal elders, and experts to ensure cultural sensitivity and sustainability. In Jammu and Kashmir, it contributes to broader efforts like block-level orientation workshops, as seen in neighboring Bandipora, to accelerate tribal welfare. As India marches towards Viksit Bharat@2047, initiatives like this are pivotal in bridging urban-rural divides and honoring the rich legacy of tribal communities.With ongoing trainings and community engagements, Rajouri’s tribal villages stand on the cusp of transformative change, embodying the spirit of “nation-building through grassroots leadership.”
