ST Community Benefits From Special Outreach Camp Under Dharti Aaba Abhiyan

Sattari, July 2, 2025*: In an effort to improve access to welfare schemes among tribal communities, a special outreach camp was held in Bhironde village of Sattari taluka under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan—a national initiative aimed at accelerating development in tribal areas through coordinated delivery of government services.Organised by the Village Panchayat of Bhironde, the camp brought together officials from multiple state departments and institutions to engage directly with the local Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. The goal is to raise awareness, enable enrolments, and simplify access to welfare schemes at the grassroots level.Participating departments included the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Directorate of Health Services, Directorate of Women and Child Development, Department of Tribal Welfare, PWD (Water Supply and Buildings), Animal Husbandry, Civil Supplies, Fisheries, Agriculture (ZATMA) and ITI Valpoi, among others.The DITE&C focused on driving digital inclusion, highlighting initiatives such as the Free Laptop Scheme for ST/SC students, ICT training through IT Knowledge Centres, and access to digital services via Goa Online and Gramin Mitra. Updates were also shared on Har Ghar Fibre, public Wi-Fi expansion, and startup support under the Goa Startup Policy 2021, aimed at strengthening digital access and entrepreneurial opportunity in rural areas.Throughout the camp, departmental representatives facilitated one-on-one interactions, shared scheme details, and assisted residents with on-the-spot queries and applications. A few beneficiaries also received ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) Cards for streamlined healthcare access and secure access to digital health records.The camp reflected a coordinated approach to last-mile delivery and inclusive governance, ensuring tribal communities are better connected to opportunities, infrastructure, and essential services.