In a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh, Alluri Sitarama Raju District has been honored as the Best Performing District in the prestigious Dharti Aaba Janbhagidhari Abhiyan (DAJA). The award was graciously presented by the Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, during the National Conclave on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan held on October 17, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. This recognition celebrates the district’s outstanding contributions to tribal welfare and grassroots development, aligning perfectly with the vision of an inclusive Viksit Bharat.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his delight on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Delighted that Alluri Sitarama Raju District has been awarded the Best Performing District in the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidhari Abhiyan! The award, presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji, recognizes the district’s exemplary efforts in implementing the PM-JGUA and PM-JANMAN initiatives. Alluri Sitarama Raju District has led the way in promoting grassroots individual rights and entitlements, financial inclusion, healthcare, digital connectivity, livelihoods, and nutrition for tribal and PVTG communities, truly embodying the spirit of “leaving no one behind.” Heartfelt congratulations to the people, district administration, and all stakeholders whose dedication and collective effort made this possible!”
A Milestone for Tribal Empowerment
The Dharti Aaba Janbhagidhari Abhiyan, launched on June 15, 2025, as a flagship component of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, represents India’s most ambitious tribal empowerment drive to date. Named after the revered tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda—affectionately called “Dharti Aaba” (Father of the Earth)—the initiative spans over 1 lakh tribal-dominated villages across 550 districts in 30 states and Union Territories. With a massive allocation of ₹80,000 crore, it focuses on holistic development, integrating schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha-Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.
Alluri Sitarama Raju District, carved out in 2022 and named after the legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, stands as a beacon for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Home to over 82% Scheduled Tribes and a literacy rate of 42.34% (as per the 2011 Census), the district’s rugged terrains and rich biodiversity have long posed challenges. Yet, under the able leadership of the district administration, it has transformed these hurdles into opportunities, achieving remarkable progress in key areas.
Key Achievements Highlighted
The award underscores the district’s pioneering role in several transformative domains:
- Grassroots Rights and Entitlements: Ensuring every tribal individual accesses their due benefits through community-driven campaigns, fostering ownership and participation at the village level.
- Financial Inclusion: Expanding banking access via Jan Dhan accounts, microfinance linkages, and skill-based livelihood programs, empowering women and youth in remote PVTG hamlets.
- Healthcare and Nutrition: Intensified efforts under PM-JANMAN to combat malnutrition, provide sickle cell screening, and establish mobile health units, significantly improving maternal and child health outcomes.
- Digital Connectivity: Bridging the digital divide with broadband rollout under the BharatNet initiative, enabling e-governance, online education, and telemedicine in isolated areas.
- Livelihood Enhancement: Promoting sustainable agro-forestry, eco-tourism, and handicraft cooperatives, creating viable income sources while preserving cultural heritage.
These initiatives have not only uplifted over 9.5 lakh residents but also embodied the ethos of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” ensuring no one is left behind in the march toward inclusive growth.
A National Spotlight on Collaborative Excellence
The National Conclave, graced by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Minister of State Durgadas Uikey, highlighted top performers from across the nation. While states like Tripura and Madhya Pradesh also received accolades—Tripura for Best Performing State in PM-JANMAN and DAJA—Alluri Sitarama Raju District’s win stands out as a testament to Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to tribal upliftment. President Murmu, herself from a tribal background, lauded such efforts as “transformative steps toward Aadi Karmayogi ideals,” emphasizing grassroots leadership in governance.
This honor arrives on the heels of other regional milestones, including President Murmu’s visit to Andhra Pradesh earlier this year for the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Alluri Sitarama Raju, further cementing the district’s symbolic importance in India’s freedom struggle narrative.
CM Naidu’s Vision: Building on Momentum
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s administration has prioritized tribal welfare since assuming office, aligning state schemes with central programs for amplified impact. In his tweet, the CM extended “heartfelt congratulations to the people, district administration, and all stakeholders,” crediting their “dedication and collective effort.” This award reinforces Andhra Pradesh’s trajectory as a leader in social equity, with plans underway to scale successful models across other aspirational districts.
As the state gears up for deeper integration of DAJA outcomes, this recognition inspires continued innovation in tribal development. It’s a reminder that true progress lies in empowering the most marginalized, lighting the path to a prosperous, united India.
Stay tuned for more updates on Andhra Pradesh’s strides in inclusive governance. Share your thoughts: How can we further amplify tribal voices in policy-making?
#AlluriSitaramaRaju #TribalEmpowerment #DhartiAabaAbhiyan #PMJANMAN #AndhraPride #ViksitBharat
+ There are no comments
Add yours