Govt launches Adi Karmayogi student chapters in premier institutes to empower tribal youth

India’s latest tribal youth empowerment drive has taken shape with the launch of Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters at leading academic institutions across the country.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to cultivate leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship among tribal students, building on the Prime Minister’s Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan announced earlier this month.

The national launch was hosted at IIT Delhi, where the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Cell will function as the central hub for the program.

Senior officials, including Ministry Secretary Vibhu Nayar and IIT Delhi Director Prof Rangan Banerjee, joined directors and vice chancellors from IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, and other institutions to set the tone for what is being called India’s largest youth-led tribal leadership movement.

“By connecting students from IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, and other top institutes with tribal communities and development programs, we are nurturing a generation of young leaders who will shape India’s educational, social, and entrepreneurial landscape. Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters represent the future of youth leadership in India, in line with the H’PM’s Vision, paving the way for a Viksit Bharat @2047,” said Nayar.

“IIT Delhi is proud to host the National Launch of the Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters. This platform enables students to mentor, innovate, and drive meaningful impact in tribal regions,” Prof Banerjee said.

The program is designed to provide tribal students with a wide spectrum of opportunities, including mentorship, innovation workshops, entrepreneurship support through a ₹50 crore venture capital fund, skill-building for semiconductor technologies in partnership with IISc Bangalore, and fellowships with government departments.

It also promotes village adoption projects, Vision 2030 development plans, and initiatives to improve enrollment and retention in tribal schools.

Institutions taking part in the first phase include IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIM Nagpur, IIM Sirmaur, AIIMS Gorakhpur, AIIMS Nagpur, IISER Mohali, NIT Raipur, IIITDM Kurnool, BIT Mesra, RGNUL Patiala, and several Institutes of Hotel Management, among others.

With this rollout, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs envisions a strong network of student chapters that not only uplift tribal youth but also bridge the gap between premier educational institutes and grassroots communities.