SENAPATI, July 11: Taking a visionary step toward tribal welfare, Anurag Bajpai, IFS, Additional Chief Secretary (T.A & Hills; TCI), in addition to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), officially launched two Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) at the Multipurpose Hall in Senapati on July 10.
The two VDVKs—Naojai VDVK and Willong VDVK—were successfully launched under the PM JANMAN scheme. The inauguration began with a tree plantation ceremony by dignitaries including Gaithaolu Thaimei, IFS, CCF (T-II) cum Nodal Officer, TRIFED; Arun R.S., IFS, CF; Luckyson Ngamsha Kashung, IAS, Director TA & Hills; Smt. Mamoni Doley, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Senapati; and Shaikh Mohd. Zaid Zakir, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Senapati, in front of the Multipurpose Hall, Senapati.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Anurag Bajpai, IFS, ACS (T.A & Hills; TCI), remarked that the occasion is “very sacred” as it is directly related to the people. He stressed the term “sacred” to underline the importance of the scheme in uplifting not just individual livelihoods, but the overall economy and well-being of the district and society. He expressed hope that the launch of the scheme would mark the beginning of a better and more dignified life for the beneficiaries.
Bajpai further stated that the income source of these communities is directly linked to forests, and thus urged all stakeholders—especially women—to step forward in protecting forest resources to ensure sustained livelihoods. He highlighted that the Maram tribe are the sole custodians of the natural resources found in the Maram region and that these must be safeguarded while moving toward sustainable development. He assured that the Forest Department will provide technical support to restore depleted resources and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Forest Department and the District Administration in enabling the holistic development of tribal communities in Senapati through initiatives like PM JANMAN and PM DAJGUA.
It is noteworthy that the Maram tribe of Manipur is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), considered to be at a lower development level compared to other tribal groups. The Government of India has introduced various schemes specifically aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs by addressing their unique challenges. Among these, the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) stands out as a flagship programme focused on convergence with existing government schemes and the provision of basic amenities and livelihood opportunities to PVTGs.
Approximately 300 members from various villages of the Maram tribe attended the launch event. The Government of India, through this initiative, aims to enhance tribal livelihoods by promoting the use of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) for socio-economic development. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
As part of the launch, beneficiaries under the PM JANMAN PVTG VDVK scheme received a variety of tools and equipment including handlooms, mixers, pulverisers, grinders, slicers, vacuum sealing machines, weighing scales, and hand sealing machines.
Following the launch event, Anurag Bajpai, IFS, ACS (T.A & Hills; TCI) and PCCF & HoFF chaired a review meeting at the DC Conference Hall, Senapati, to evaluate the progress, achievements, and targets of various central and state government schemes.
During the review meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary assessed the ongoing work and addressed issues raised by the concerned District Level Officers (DLOs). He emphasized the importance of achieving scheme saturation and encouraged mutual support among departments. He appealed to all officials engaged in implementing these schemes to work sincerely and ensure equitable distribution of benefits. He also announced that review meetings on work progress would be conducted regularly moving forward.
Departments such as ADC, DIC, Handloom & Textiles, and others actively participated in highlighting the progress and achievements under schemes like PM JANMAN, PM DAJGUA, PM Vishwakarma, and solid waste management efforts in the district.
The review meeting was attended by key officials including Gaithaolu Thaimei, IFS, CCF (T-II) cum Nodal Officer, TRIFED; Arun R.S., IFS, CF; Luckyson Ngamsha Kashung, IAS, Director TA & Hills; Smt. Mamoni Doley, IAS, DC Senapati; Shaikh Mohd. Zaid Zakir, IPS, SP Senapati; Shanngam S., IFS, DFO Senapati; and other DLOs.
