From Dharti Aba’s Courtyard to Vigyan Bhawan – Korea’s Development Story Earns National Recognition

President Droupadi Murmu felicitates Collector Chandan Tripathi for outstanding performance under the ‘Dharti Aba’ initiative

Raipur, Oct 2025: Korea district of Chhattisgarh has once again gained national recognition for its remarkable development journey. During the ‘National Conclave on Aadi Karmyogi Abhiyan’ held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu honoured Korea District Collector Smt. Chandan Tripathi for her outstanding work under the Dharti Aba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan.

The grand event was organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram and Minister of State Shri Durga Das Uike were present on the occasion. Shri Sonmoni Bora, Principal Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, was also felicitated by the President for his exemplary performance at the state level.

New Benchmark of Development in 154 Tribal Villages

Under the ‘Dharti Aba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan’, development efforts were carried out across 154 tribal-dominated villages — including 138 villages in Baikunthpur block and 16 in Sonhat block — benefiting around 38,000 tribal families.

Through a series of camps and door-to-door outreach campaigns, beneficiaries were connected with 25 government schemes from 17 departments, including Ayushman Bharat Card, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Ujjwala Yojana, caste and residence certificates, forest rights pattas, ration cards, Kisan Credit Cards, PM Awas Yojana, sickle cell testing, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Owing to timely implementation and grassroots innovations, the initiative has emerged as a model of public participation and inclusive development.

National Appreciation for Innovation and Community Engagement

The recognition of Korea district’s efforts at the national level is a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh. This honour reflects the district’s innovative approach, strong community involvement, and commitment to sustainable development in tribal regions.

“Every Tribal Family Must Be Linked to the Mainstream of Development” – CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the district team and said that the honour acknowledges the dedicated efforts of field workers and officials who have made tribal empowerment a reality on the ground. He reaffirmed the state government’s goal to connect every tribal family—from Bastar to Surguja—to the mainstream of development and ensure empowerment at all levels.

“Taking the Light of Schemes to Every Household is True Good Governance” – Minister Ramvichar Netam

Shri Ramvichar Netam, Minister for Tribal Development and in-charge of Korea district, said this achievement is the result of the hard work of officials, field staff, and public representatives, who overcame difficult geographical conditions to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reached every citizen. He emphasized that delivering welfare schemes to every household is the essence of good governance.