The Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) is a historic tribal empowerment campaign launched by the Government of India. This movement aims to empower over 5.5 crore tribal citizens across 31 States and Union Territories, covering 550+ districts and 1 lakh+ tribal villages and PVTG habitations. DAJA runs from 15 June to 15 July 2025.
The Spirit Behind DAJA: Honoring Birsa Munda
DAJA, named after Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrates tribal heritage and identity. It commemorates Birsa Munda as Dharti Aaba (Father of the Earth) as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.
Massive Reach and Ground-Level Impact
Within the first nine days of its launch, DAJA has made significant progress:
- Reached 53+ lakh tribal citizens
- Held 22,000+ tribal empowerment camps
- Facilitated over 1.38 lakh Aadhaar enrolments
- Issued more than 1.68 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards
- Registered over 46,000 tribal farmers under PM-Kisan
- Enrolled 22,000+ women under PM Ujjwala Yojana
- Opened 32,000+ new PM Jan Dhan accounts
Five Pillars of DAJA: A New Governance Model
- Janbhagidari (People’s Participation)
- Saturation for 100% coverage of eligible beneficiaries
- Cultural Inclusion through tribal languages and traditions
- Convergence of ministries, civil society, and youth groups
- Last-Mile Delivery to reach remotest habitations
Leadership Speaks: Voices Behind the Movement
- Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs: “DAJA is a mass movement for dignity and respect.”
- Shri Durga Das Uikey, MoS for Tribal Affairs: “Tribal youth and women show a new spirit of aspiration.”
- Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, Tribal Affairs: “DAJA sets a governance benchmark.”
Snapshots from Across the Nation
Recent activities in different states:
- Ladakh: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promotes millet-based nutrition in Rongo village.
- Madhya Pradesh: Governor Mangubhai Patel merges welfare with cultural celebration in Sehore.
- Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches DAJA in Guwahati, calling it a “new chapter” in tribal development.
- Maharashtra: CM Devendra Fadnavis emphasizes tribal entrepreneurship and self-reliance through camp launches.
- Andhra Pradesh: DAJA launch at Parvathipuram Manyam focuses on forest-dwelling vulnerable tribal groups.
- Kerala: Tribal Conclave in Wayanad strengthens collaborative efforts.
A People’s Campaign: Nationwide Mobilisation
- 550+ districts and 3,000+ blocks actively engaged
- Participation from 700+ tribal communities and 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
- Youth-led involvement by MY Bharat, NSS, and tribal student groups
- Cultural celebrations including tribal food festivals, dance events, and handicraft exhibitions
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- DAJA (Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan) is India’s largest tribal empowerment campaign.
- The movement aims to empower over 5.5 crore tribal citizens across India.
- DAJA focuses on Janbhagidari, Saturation, Cultural Inclusion, Convergence, and Last-Mile Delivery.
- Significant progress has been made in reaching tribal citizens and providing welfare services.
- DAJA celebrates tribal heritage and identity, involving various stakeholders for inclusive governance.