In a significant move to uplift tribal communities, Anurag Bajpai, IFS, Additional Chief Secretary (T.A & Hills; TCI), along with his charge as PCCF & HoFF, launched two Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) at the Multipurpose Hall, Senapati on Thursday.

The two newly inaugurated VDVKs — Naojai and Willong — aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), especially the Maram tribe of Manipur. The launch ceremony began with a symbolic tree plantation by dignitaries including Gaithaolu Thaimei, IFS CCF (T-II) and Nodal Officer, TRIFED; Arun R.S., IFS CF; Luckyson Ngamsha Kashung, IAS, Director of TA & Hills; Mamoni Doley, IAS, DC Senapati; and Shaikh Mohd. Zaid Zakir, IPS, SP Senapati.

Addressing the gathering, Anurag Bajpai described the occasion as a “very sacred” one, stating that it marks a turning point for the tribal population in terms of economic and social empowerment. He highlighted the importance of forest-based livelihoods for the Maram tribe and urged the community — especially women — to take proactive roles in forest conservation to ensure sustainable income generation.

He emphasized that the Maram tribe, identified as one of Manipur’s PVTGs, are the custodians of the region’s forest resources. The government, he said, will provide necessary technical and administrative support through the Forest Department and district administration to replenish and protect these resources. Bajpai also assured continued efforts for holistic tribal development through convergence of schemes like PM JANMAN and PM DAJGUA.

The PM-JANMAN scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED, seeks to uplift PVTGs through integrated development, improved access to basic amenities, and promotion of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) as a livelihood source. During the program, around 300 members of the Maram tribe attended and witnessed the distribution of livelihood equipment such as handlooms, mixers, pulverisers, grinders, slicers, vacuum sealing machines, weighing scales, and hand sealing machines to identified beneficiaries.

Following the launch event, Anurag Bajpai chaired a review meeting at the DC Conference Hall, Senapati, to assess the progress and performance of various central and state schemes. The meeting focused on saturation of benefits under key initiatives including PM JANMAN, PM DAJGUA, PM Vishwakarma, and solid waste management programs.

Departmental heads and officials including Gaithaolu Thaimei, IFS; Arun R.S., IFS; Luckyson Ngamsha Kashung, IAS; Mamoni Doley, IAS; Shaikh Mohd. Zaid Zakir, IPS; Shanngam S., IFS, DFO Senapati; and DLOs participated in the review. Bajpai called for sincere and coordinated efforts from all departments to ensure just and inclusive development. He also directed regular review meetings to monitor ongoing progress.