Goa’s government has launched the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, a transformative tribal welfare scheme aimed at accelerating development in tribal areas. With outreach camps, financial aid, and skill programs, it targets ST communities’ socio-economic growth. Recent initiatives in Sattari taluka highlight its impact, promising better access to government services and empowerment for Goa’s tribal population.
Goa Unveils Ambitious Tribal Welfare Initiative
The Goa government has rolled out the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, a national initiative tailored to uplift the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. Launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the scheme focuses on delivering government services directly to tribal villages, ensuring holistic development. A recent outreach camp in Bhironde village, Sattari taluka, on July 2, 2025, exemplified this commitment, bringing essential services like healthcare, education, and financial aid to tribal residents.
The scheme builds on existing programs like the Goa Tribal’s Employment Generation Programme, which offers a 40% subsidy on loans up to 95% of project costs for educated unemployed tribal youth aged 18–45. Eligible activities include micro and small manufacturing, service, and trade enterprises, with a maximum project cost of ₹25 lakh for manufacturing units. The scheme also mandates entrepreneurship training for beneficiaries, fostering self-reliance.
Another cornerstone is the Atal Asra Yojana, providing up to ₹3 lakh for house construction or reconstruction and ₹1.5 lakh for repairs for ST families with annual incomes below ₹3 lakh. This initiative addresses housing challenges, a critical need for tribal communities. Applications are streamlined through the Department of Tribal Welfare at Shram Shakti Bhavan, Panaji, ensuring accessibility.
The state’s Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) continues to play a pivotal role, with funds allocated for tribal development rising steadily. Between 2017–2021, Goa released significant TSP funds, focusing on education, infrastructure, and livelihood programs. The Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Ltd., established in 2004, supports self-employment through schemes like Ashray Adhar and short-term loans, aiming to integrate tribals into mainstream economic activities.
Awareness drives are central to the initiative. The Directorate of Tribal Welfare organizes events like Prerana Din and Adivasi Vidhyarthi Sammelan to educate ST communities about available schemes. A state portal for tribal welfare schemes is under development to enhance access. Additionally, the Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, established in 2011, safeguards tribal rights, addressing issues like employment and forest land entitlements under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Recent posts on X highlight public enthusiasm for the scheme, with users praising its focus on grassroots delivery. The Bhironde camp, for instance, provided immediate access to scholarships, health check-ups, and skill training, signaling a hands-on approach. However, challenges remain, including ensuring consistent implementation across remote areas and addressing potential loan repayment issues under the Employment Generation Programme.
The government is also aligning with central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), which targets tribal development nationwide. Goa’s efforts reflect a blend of state and central priorities, aiming to empower its 8.61% ST population, which spans 15% of the state’s area. With plans to expand outreach camps and digital access, the initiative is poised to redefine tribal welfare in Goa.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from government websites, recent X posts, and publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details through official channels like tribalwelfare.goa.gov.in or goaonline.gov.in for the latest updates.