Chamba accelerates tribal welfare drive under ‘Dharti Aaba Abhiyan’

In a decisive step towards inclusive development, Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal chaired a key meeting on Wednesday to review and expedite the implementation of the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan in the district. The campaign, which focuses on uplifting tribal communities, covers 156 villages across Chamba and seeks to bring government welfare schemes to every doorstep.

Repaswal instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to organise cluster-based activities tailored to the unique needs of these tribal areas. He stressed that the goal was not just outreach but achieving full saturation under various Central and state welfare schemes. These efforts, he noted, must include the coordinated execution of programmes related to infrastructure development, healthcare, nutrition, education and sustainable livelihoods.

To ensure that no household is left behind, the DC directed the Food and Civil Supplies Department to conduct detailed surveys for achieving 100 per cent LPG connection coverage in the selected villages. He also called for proactive steps to boost community participation. District Development Officer OP Thakur and the respective Block Development Officers were asked to take the lead in mobilising local residents and ensuring their involvement in the campaign.

Repaswal underlined the importance of raising awareness about key government initiatives during gram panchayat-level events. He said these events should serve as platforms to educate citizens about their entitlements, from Aadhaar registration and caste or domicile certification to healthcare, financial inclusion, skill development, employment schemes, pensions and student scholarships. Every department, he noted, has a role to play in bringing these benefits to the remotest parts of the district.

The meeting was attended virtually by the Additional District Magistrate of Bharmour along with the SDMs of Dalhousie, Tissa and Pangi. Among those present in person were Additional District Magistrate Amit Mehra, SDM Priyanshu Khati, Chief Medical Officer Dr Bipen Thakur, District Employment Officer Arvind Singh Chauhan and Lead District Manager DC Chauhan.

Himachal Tribune