Media
Ashtalakshmi – The North-East at the Heart of India’s Growth Story
- June 20, 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
Over the past twelve years, the North-East has witnessed a remarkable shift in its development landscape. This change has been driven by sustained policy support, infrastructure expansion, and inclusive development initiatives. Improved road, rail, air, and digital connectivity have reduced geographic isolation. They have also strengthened regional integration and economic access. At the same time, major gains in access to water, sanitation, housing, healthcare, and education have improved quality of life. These improvements are visible across both urban and rural communities. The region has also emerged as a key pillar of India’s clean energy transition and Act East vision. This shift has been supported by investments in hydropower, gas infrastructure, and cross-border connectivity. Together, these efforts position Ashtalakshmi as a model of sustainable and inclusive development within Viksit Bharat.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launches â‚ą236 Crore Tripura Queen Pineapple Mission
- May 27, 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
The Union Minister for the Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, together with the Chief Minister of Tripura, launched the “Mission Queen Pineapple”, a â‚ą236 crore convergence-led initiative for pineapple cultivation and value chain development in the State of Tripura. The Mission is designed as a three-year implementation roadmap from Q2 FY2026 to Q4 FY2028 for promoting Tripura’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) — the GI-tagged Queen Pineapple.
Anchored by MDoNER , the Mission builds upon convergence with Schemes and interventions of the Ministries of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Food Processing Industries, Commerce, MSME, APEDA, DPIIT, ICAR, CSIR, TRIFED, NERAMAC and the Government of Tripura for establishing an integrated pineapple value-chain ecosystem in the State.
Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launches the Mission on “Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh"
- May 20, 2026
The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia,launched Mission on “Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh — a Cluster-based Kiwi Cultivation and Value Chain Development Mission for the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The launch was graced in the august presence of Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Manish Kumar Gupta, Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh and Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, MDoNER.
With an outlay of approximately â‚ą167 crore, Mission on Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh has been designed through a whole-of-government, convergence-led approach — anchored by MDoNER and woven together with the schemes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, along with NABARD, ICAR-CITH, APEDA, NERAMAC and committed private investors. The Mission has been shaped keeping in view the perspectives of every stakeholder in the value chain, ensuring that interventions reflect the ground realities and the aspirations of Arunachal's kiwi-farming communities.
Illegal Trade Networks Threaten Indigenous Peoples in Amazon: Report
- April 21, 2026
Source: Down to Earth
The expansion of illicit economies across the Amazon have entrenched systems of “criminal governance”, according to a report by Amazon Watch. These undermine Indigenous rights, territorial control and environmental stability.
The Amazon covers around 7.8 million square kilometres and is home to more than 2.2 million Indigenous people. However, criminal groups were found to be operating in at least 67 per cent of municipalities and deforestation, exceeding 88 million hectares since 1985, the researchers stated. The combined pressures of illicit economies and inadequate policy responses posed escalating risks to both Indigenous survival and the region’s ecological future, they said.
NCST Chairman Calls for Stronger Empowerment of Tribal Youth at Chakma Yuva Samvad in Delhi
- April 12, 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
Emphasising the critical role of youth in shaping the future of tribal communities, Shri Antar Singh Arya, Hon’ble Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), called for intensified efforts towards education, skill development, and employment generation for tribal youth. He was addressing the “Chakma Yuva Samvad: Empowering Tribal Youth & Celebration of Bizu Festival” organised in the national capital New Delhi. A series of technical sessions and panel discussions were organised focusing on education, skill development, and employment opportunities for tribal youth and minority communities.
Union Minister Jual Oram Calls NSTFDC a Catalyst for Tribal Entrepreneurship at 25th Foundation Day
- April 10, 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at Vishwa Yuva Kendra, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram highlighted the transformative role played by NSTFDC in empowering Scheduled Tribe communities across the country. Emphasizing its people-centric approach, he underscored the Corporation’s focus on providing collateral-free financial assistance, ensuring wider access among tribal beneficiaries.The Minister reiterated that NSTFDC’s vision goes beyond job creation, aiming to foster entrepreneurship and enable individuals to become job providers rather than job seekers.
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 Concludes with Grand Closing Ceremony; Top Tribal Artisans and Sellers Felicitated
- April 05, 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs organised in association with TRIFED, concluded on 05 April 2026 with a grand closing ceremony at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, marking the culmination of a 19-day celebration of tribal culture, craftsmanship, and enterprise.
The closing ceremony witnessed the felicitation of top-performing tribal artisans and sellers across ten categories—Pottery, Cane & Bamboo, Jewellery, Cuisines, Gifts & Assortments, Metal, Naturals, Paintings, Textiles, and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs). The awards were presented by Shri M. Rajamurugan, IPS, Managing Director, TRIFED, and Shri Anant Prakash Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in the presence of dignitaries and stakeholders.
The festival served as a comprehensive platform for tribal artisans, self-help groups, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and entrepreneurs from across the country, facilitating direct market access and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Organizes a National-Level CSR Conclave on “Empowering Tribals through CSR and Pledging Partnership for Tribal Upliftment”
- March 24, 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
A National-Level CSR Conclave on the theme “Empowering Tribals through CSR and Pledging Partnership for Tribal Upliftment” on 24th March 2026 at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi was organised by Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It was graced by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram and the Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey in the presence of Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and leading private companies.
The deliberations dwelled upon possible ways to bring sectoral expertise, innovation, and professional management under CSR initiatives to address gaps that may not be covered under conventional government frameworks.
Bharat Tribes Business Conclave 2026 Inaugurated at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi; Advancing Tribal Enterprise and Industry Partnerships
- March 19, 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
The Bharat Tribes Fest – Business Conclave was inaugurated today at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, as part of the ongoing Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.The Conclave was inaugurated by Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the august presence of Smt. Roop Rashi, Additional Secretary and CEO, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME; Shri Manish Thakur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Shri Anant Prakash Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; and Shri M. Rajamurugan, Managing Director, TRIFED. The Conclave is sponsored by the Ministry of Coal and being held in association withFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and Tribal Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TICCI), serving as the Knowledge Partners.
Govt Boosts Tribal Tourism: Capacity Building Workshop Empowers Homestay Owners from Three States
- March 19, 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, in collaboration with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), successfully organized a Capacity Building Workshop for Tribal Homestay Owners at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi.
The workshop brought together tribal homestay owners and their teams from Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, underscoring the Government’s commitment to promoting community-led, sustainable tourism as a key driver of tribal livelihood enhancement. The workshop highlighted key Government programmes that are strengthening infrastructure, skills, and economic opportunities in tribal regions: PM JANMAN (PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan), DAJGUA (Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes), Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, Empowering Tribal Entrepreneurs.
The workshop reflects a broader national vision to: Promote inclusive tourism growth, Strengthen local livelihoods in tribal regions, Encourage cultural preservation through economic empowerment and Enhance last-mile delivery of welfare schemes.