MoTA Chintan Shivir focuses on tribal empowerment, governance

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Friday called for stronger last-mile delivery of government schemes and deeper convergence across systems to ensure meaningful impact for tribal communities, at the two-day Chintan Shivir 2026 held at the University of Patanjali in Haridwar.

Addressing policymakers and administrators, Oram stressed that effective governance requires a blend of institutional experience and emerging expertise, highlighting the role of collaboration between senior and young officers in improving policy implementation. He reaffirmed that empowering tribal communities remains a key priority of the government.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, speaking at the inaugural session, emphasised resilience, discipline and purposeful governance, noting that policies must translate into tangible benefits at the grassroots level.

Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey highlighted the cultural richness and contributions of tribal communities, advocating for the integration of traditional knowledge into modern development frameworks.

The Shivir focused on key areas such as improving education outcomes, promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening Tribal Research Institutes, and enhancing communication strategies for better outreach. Experts also stressed the importance of repositioning tribal products in national and global markets through value addition, branding and improved market access.

Sessions on leadership and governance underscored the role of emotional intelligence, mindfulness and well-being in enhancing administrative efficiency and decision-making. Participants engaged in discussions, workshops and debriefings aimed at identifying practical strategies for better programme delivery and field-level implementation.

The event concluded with a visit to Patanjali Yogpeeth, showcasing integrated models of wellness and institutional development.

The Chintan Shivir served as a platform for dialogue and capacity building, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening governance, promoting sustainable tribal livelihoods and ensuring inclusive development aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.