Bhubaneswar: In a proud moment for Odisha, Keonjhar was on Friday honoured with a certificate of recognition by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, for its exemplary performance as one of the top-performing districts under the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan.
The certificate was presented at a ceremony held in New Delhi, where Vibhu Nayar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, presented the award to the district for its outstanding contributions towards participatory tribal governance and inclusive development.
The prestigious award was received by Commissioner-cum- Secretary, ST & SC department B Parameswaran, an official statement said.
Expressing his gratitude, Keonjhar District Collector Vishal Singh dedicated the award to the people of Keonjhar and the grassroots teams who worked tirelessly to make the initiative a success. “This recognition belongs to every individual contributing to Keonjhar’s growth story. Our focus remains on empowering tribal communities and ensuring that benefits reach those who need them the most,” Singh said.
Launched to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan aims to deepen tribal participation in governance and strengthen tribal institutions at the local level.
Keonjhar stood out nationally for its people-centric planning, innovative welfare programs, and efficient implementation of schemes that promote education, livelihood opportunities, women’s empowerment, and digital inclusion in tribal regions.
Officials said that the recognition highlights Keonjhar’s commitment to sustainable and participatory development, making it a model district in the country’s ongoing mission to build inclusive governance for tribal welfare.
