Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS on August 28, 2025, chaired the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan (AKA) State Level Orientation Program held at the Chief Secretary Conference Hall, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima. 

The Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan is a nationwide movement launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, to empower tribal communities and strengthen responsive governance. This initiative aims to create a cadre of two million grassroots change leaders across one lakh tribal villages, promoting inclusive development and bridging the last-mile delivery gap.

The Chief Secretary while delivering his opening remarks said Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan program focuses on building leadership at the rural level while also providing tribal villages with essential assets and services. Imchen added that this holistic approach aims to empower local communities and promote inclusive development.

Imchen reiterated that by combining leadership development with asset creation and service delivery, the program can have a transformative impact on tribal communities, promoting sustainable development and social change.

Terming Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan as a game-changer initiative, Imchen said that the program is not just a scheme, but a grassroots governance revolution designed to empower tribal communities through leadership development and responsive governance. He went on to say that by bringing together different departments and providing essential services and facilities, this program aims to benefit the common man and village people. He remarked that overall, the AKA has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people in tribal communities, and its impact will likely be felt for years to come. Imchen further said the collaborative approach through convergence can help bridge the gap in service delivery and promote inclusive development in the region. ‎

He reminded the Deputy Commissioners to give adequate attention to the program and ensure successful implementation in their respective districts.

Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Angelina Tajen, presenting the programme overview emphasized that the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan is a people-centric approach, focusing to promote inclusive development, social change, and sustainable growth in tribal communities.  Tajen stated that the program was initiated by the Government of India to empower tribal communities through leadership development and responsive governance, it is a grassroots governance revolution designed to promote inclusive development and sustainable change.

Tajen said that there will be convergence among 15 departments, including Tribal Affairs, Rural Development, Health, Education, and others and it will focus on 608 villages across Nagaland to provide saturation coverage for tribal families and villages.

She added that at the State level the Tribal Affairs Department will be the nodal department, with state master trainers and nodal officers from key line departments whereas in the District-level, the Deputy Commissioners will spearhead the program, with district master trainers and involvement of all 15 line departments. At the Block level officers and block master trainers will be involved with CSOs and NGOs participating in the progress. At the village-level one day workshops will be held to sensitize villagers with the involvement of CSOs, NGOs and village councils, she added.

Deputy Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Thomas Keppen reflecting on the role of Aadi Karmayogi opined that Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan is a grassroots governance revolution that promotes people's participation and ownership in governance. He added that by focusing on people's participation, convergence, and ownership, the movement aims to create a more responsive and effective governance system that truly serves the needs of the people.

The District Comissioners from various districys also joined the programme through video conference and shared their thoughts and concerns about the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan at the district-level. Various line departments also updated their progress and also clarify their doubts about the program.

(Esuihangle, IA)