How Does Tribal Identity Integrate with Governance? Dharti Aaba Outreach Impacts Lives in Balod

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dharti Aaba initiative serves as a platform for tribal empowerment.
- It combines multiple essential services in one location.
- Strong community participation is fostered through outreach camps.
- The initiative is inspired by tribal leaders like Birsa Munda.
- It aims to enhance public trust and governance.
Balod, Chhattisgarh, June 28 (NationPress) The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan has transcended its role as a mere government program and emerged as a beacon of tribal pride and identity, asserted Lok Sabha MP Bhojraj Nag during a unique outreach event held in the tribal village of Bhanwarmara, located in Chhattisgarh’s Balod district.
While addressing the gathering, MP Bhojraj Nag highlighted the emotional and cultural resonance of the initiative:
“Dharti Aaba is no longer just a scheme; it embodies the voice of the tribal community, reflecting their self-respect. It instills dignity and pride in the legacy of Birsa Munda, a symbol of tribal resistance and leadership.”
The outreach camp formed a part of the Dharti Aaba Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan, which runs from June 15 to July 15 across 186 tribal villages in Balod. It offered a range of essential services to villagers under one roof, including Ayushman health cards, Kisan Samman Nidhi, labor registration, forest rights pattas, Kisan Credit Cards, and basic healthcare.
In a significant gesture, the MP conducted the Godbharai ceremony for expectant mothers and distributed seeds to farmers, urging them to utilize the government’s agricultural support programs.
Balod Collector, Divya Umesh Mishra, elaborated on the holistic approach of the campaign: “These camps signify more than just service delivery; they capture the true essence of public participation. We are committed to ensuring that representatives and administrative officers collaborate to bring government schemes directly to every village.”
She further remarked: “Alongside schemes like Ayushman and forest rights, we are offering health checkups, anemia and sickle cell testing, Aadhaar and ration card services, pension enrollments, and more — all conveniently located in one venue.”
Sarpanch Nirmala Thakur of Bhanwarmara Gram Panchayat, present at the event, expressed her gratitude for the initiative: “This campaign is empowering our community. Residents are not only saving time and money, but also fostering a stronger connection with the administration, as all services are now accessible at the village level.”
The camp attracted a large turnout, with attendees displaying immense enthusiasm. Elected representatives and administrative personnel showcased the collaborative effort behind this innovative outreach model. The success of the Dharti Aaba campaign is viewed as a potential blueprint for governance grounded in inclusivity and tribal empowerment.