In News:

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), in partnership with the United Nations in India, has launched the Adi Yuva Fellowship and the Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme under the umbrella of the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan — a flagship initiative envisioned as the world’s largest tribal grassroots leadership movement.
• These initiatives aim to empower tribal youth, strengthen grassroots governance, and promote inclusive development in alignment with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

About Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan

• Coverage: Targets 11 crore citizens across 1 lakh tribal-dominated villages in 550 districts of 30 States and UTs.
• Objective: To transform governance into a people’s movement rooted in responsive, accountable, and citizen-centric administration.
• The ongoing Adi SewaParv (17 September – 2 October 2025) focuses on preparing Tribal Village Vision 2030 Action Plans through community–government collaboration.

1. Adi Yuva Fellowship

Overview

The Adi Yuva Fellowship, supported by UN India, is a first-of-its-kind national programme designed to nurture tribal youth leadership through structured learning, mentorship, and professional development.

Key Features

• Duration: 12-month paid fellowship with a tailored learning plan combining knowledge-building, on-the-job training, and reflective practice.
• Support Package: Monthly allowances, comprehensive health and life insurance, and access to UN and commercial learning platforms.
• Skill Linkages: Fellows will be connected to national employability schemes such as:
  • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0
  • National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
  • PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana
• Mentorship and Exposure: Fellows will receive structured mentorship, engage in peer learning, and gain exposure to national and international platforms.
• Deployment: The first batch of 16 Fellows will be selected through a competitive process and placed with UN agencies at national, state, and district levels.

Objective

To build a cadre of empowered tribal youth who can contribute to governance, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community-led development, ensuring that tribal voices shape India’s growth story.

2. Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme

Overview

Supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme is aimed at strengthening last-mile service delivery and promoting community participation in tribal regions.

Key Features

• Deployment:
  • 82 Adi Karmayogi Volunteers (UN Community Volunteers) deployed across 82 blocks in 13 districts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
  • They will engage in anintensive two-month grassroots programme.
• Role and Activities:
  • Support preparation of Village Vision 2030 Action Plans.
  • Conduct awareness campaigns, outreach drives, and capacity-building sessions.
  • Facilitate improved access to government schemes and services.
• Outcome: Strengthen inclusive governance, local participation, and service delivery at the village level.

Significance of the Initiatives

1. Empowering Tribal Youth

• Provides structured opportunities for skill enhancement, leadership, and employability.
• Bridges the gap between education, governance, and community development.

2. Strengthening Governance

• Promotes citizen-centric and participatory governance in tribal regions.
• Empowers communities to actively contribute to their own development vision.

3. Advancing India–UN Partnership

• Demonstrates India’s collaborative approach towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Highlights the One UN approach for inclusive and sustainable growth.