Odisha has received national recognition for its exceptional performance in tribal welfare and inclusive governance under the Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Yojana. At a prestigious national event organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the award to Odisha for emerging as the Best Performing State under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan. The honour was received by B. Parmeshwaran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes Development, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, marking a proud moment for the state.

In addition to the state-level recognition, Mayurbhanj district was awarded as the Best Performing District under the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan for its remarkable grassroots implementation of tribal empowerment initiatives. Keonjhar district also earned a certificate of appreciation under the Dharati Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan for its outstanding efforts in strengthening participatory governance among tribal communities. The award ceremony also honoured individual excellence, with Rakesh Ranjan Biswal, Additional District Welfare Officer of Koraput, being named the Best State Master Trainer, and Sanjeev Majhi from Kalahandi district recognised as the Best Aadi Saathi for his dedicated contribution to the programme.

This achievement showcases Odisha’s proactive approach toward promoting sustainable development, capacity building, and inclusive planning in tribal-dominated regions. Through the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, over 5,500 village action plans were recently approved during special Gram Sabhas organised across the state, reflecting deep community involvement in development decision-making. These initiatives are part of the Government of India’s year-long commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, honouring his legacy by empowering tribal communities through self-governance and institutional strengthening.

Odisha’s success under the Aadi Karmayogi and Dharati Aaba Janbhagidari initiatives highlights the state’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in tribal areas through education, livelihood enhancement, women’s empowerment, capacity building, and digital inclusion. The coordinated efforts of local administrations, tribal development departments, and grassroots workers have ensured that development schemes meaningfully reach the most remote and vulnerable communities. This national recognition reinforces Odisha’s leadership in tribal welfare governance and stands as a model for other states striving for inclusive and participatory development.