IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaign in respect of “Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan” at Rukum Tar, Gangchung Ward under Temi GPU.

Namchi, November 26 (IPR): The Tribal Affairs Division under Social Welfare Department conducted an IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaign at Rukum Tar, Gangchung Ward under Temi GPU, today.
The IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaign aims to enhance the lives of tribal communities in India, focusing on the welfare of its indigenous tribal population through holistic development and fostering transformative changes in their lives.
The program had the presence of Ms Chunkula Bhutia, Deputy Secretary (Tribal Affairs Division, Social Welfare Department), Mr Nim Tenzing Sherpa (Genchung Ward Panchayat), Dr Sangay Diki Bhutia (Research Officer), Ms Rhea Pradhan (Welfare Officer), Mr Amrit Sharma (Tourism Entrepreneur).
The program began with a visit to the stalls. Among the participants were Ms Passang Diki Sherpa, showcasing incense, handwash, and soap made from natural ingredients; Ms Rekha Adhikari and Ms. Meena Rai, offering handicrafts crafted from straw and bamboo; Mr Mingma Sangay Sherpa, displaying wooden carvings; and Mr Passang Sherpa, presenting lemongrass and tofu.
Ms Chunkula Bhutia provided a brief overview of the “Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan,” a government initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at enhancing the lives of tribal communities in India. The primary goal of this scheme is to reduce the development disparities between tribal communities and integrate them into the mainstream. It seeks to uplift the quality of life for tribal people by offering improved access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
She also urged the locals to focus on cluster-based entrepreneurship and provided suggestions for creating new products. Additionally, she spoke about a new trekking route from Rukum Tar to Tendong Hills, which would offer benefits to the local community.
Dr. Sangay Diki Bhutia also contributed to the discussion by emphasizing the importance of preserving culture and addressing the decline of tribal languages. She highlighted the need for efforts to protect these languages and suggested actions to help preserve them. Furthermore, she encouraged the locals to collaborate with associations to fully benefit from schemes like the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
The scheme will be carried out by 19 ministries of the Government of India to enhance the lives of tribal communities across the country. Under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang , this initiative will strengthen the connection between Sikkim’s tribal communities, expand their opportunities, and foster a collaborative framework focused on cultural preservation, educational progress, and sustainable development for the tribes.
Ms. Chunkula Bhutia also took a moment to acknowledge the relentless efforts of Area MLA Mr. B.S. Pant, who has consistently shown a strong commitment to the welfare and development of the people in Gangchung. His dedication to enhancing the community’s well-being is truly admirable.