By: Pir Azhar U Din
The Uttar Pradesh government has expanded its tribal welfare initiatives through two major programmes—Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan—covering 517 tribal-dominated villages in 26 districts. According to state-level reports, the campaign has reached more than 11 lakh members of indigenous communities with services related to housing, education, healthcare, electricity and drinking water.
Officials conducting field visits in these villages have focused on linking tribal households with ongoing government schemes and ensuring delivery of essential facilities. Villages inhabited by groups such as the Tharu, Buksa and Bhotia have been included under this saturation-based model, in which multiple welfare services are extended simultaneously.
A significant component of the initiative includes strengthening livelihood opportunities. In Lakhimpur Kheri, the government has facilitated market access for tribal artisans by supporting 371 self-help groups through the newly established Tharu Handicraft Company. A Tharu Museum in Balrampur has also been launched to preserve and promote tribal cultural heritage.
Education infrastructure for tribal children has been expanded through institutions such as Ashram Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Sarvodaya Hostels, aimed at improving access for students living in remote forest regions. The government reports that tribal students are increasingly benefiting from scholarships and residential schooling facilities.
The campaign has also included targeted improvements to basic services. Media reports highlight that certain localities, such as areas inhabited by 815 Buksa families, have seen increased access to essential amenities including housing and water supply. However, full village-wise or scheme-wise beneficiary details have not been publicly released.
State officials say the initiative marks one of the largest coordinated efforts in recent years to integrate Uttar Pradesh’s tribal populations into mainstream welfare systems. Independent observers note that continued monitoring will be needed to evaluate long-term impact on education, livelihoods, and community development.
