Odisha approves over 5,500 village action plans for inclusive tribal governance

In a step towards empowering grassroots governance, a Special Gram Sabha was convened across Odisha under the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, responsive governance programme with approval accorded to more than 5,500 Village Action Plans (VAPs).

The VAP forms part of the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan’s vision of inclusive, participatory, and accountable governance in tribal regions.

Advertisement

Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), forms an integral part of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA).

Anchored in the spirit of Seva (Service), Samarpan (Dedication), and Sankalp (Resolve), the Abhiyan seeks to saturate essential services at the grassroots and foster responsive governance for tribal communities.

In Odisha, the programme covers 7,623 villages across 213 blocks in 22 districts. To support implementation, a strong cadre of 1 lakh Aadi Saathis and 30,000 Aadi Sahyogis has been mobilised, along with the empanelling of more than 50 CSOs/NGOs across all districts.

On 2 October, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, over 6,255 Aadi Seva Kendras were inaugurated, with the total target being 7,623 Kendras across all identified villages.

These centres will act as pivotal nodes for service delivery and community engagement. The Village Action Plans were prepared through comprehensive grassroots participation, involving transect walks, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), resource mapping, and vision mapping exercises in every village.

By ensuring multi-departmental convergence and adopting a whole-of-government approach, Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan is steadily working to restore and strengthen public trust in governance institutions while empowering tribal communities to chart their development journey.