Aadi KARMAYOGI and TALASH | 11 Jul 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the first Regional Process Lab (RPL) under the Aadi KARMAYOGI, which focuses on strengthening local governance. 

• Simultaneously, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) programme to support the growth of tribal students. 

What is Aadi KARMAYOGI? 

• About: Aadi KARMAYOGI is a National Mission for Responsive Governance, designed to build a cadre of 20 lakh tribal grassroots functionaries and village-level change leaders, who will drive inclusive development and strengthen last-mile service delivery in tribal areas. 
  • The mission aligns with Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyaan (PM JANMAN) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), emphasizing convergence, community involvement, and capability enhancement. 
• Objectives:  
  • Build Local Leadership: Develop State Master Trainers (SMTs), District Master Trainers (DMTs), and Block-level trainers. 
  • Strengthen Last-Mile Delivery: Enhance service delivery and implementation of tribal welfare schemes in remote areas. 
  • Promote Community-Centric Governance: Empower tribal communities with dignity, empathy, and purpose. 
• Implementation: SMTs from five southern states Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana  are being trained at the RPL in Bengaluru.  
  • These trainers will go on to lead State Process Labs (SPLs), which will then train DMTs. The programme also involves civil society organisations to encourage participatory learning and ensure the training fits local contexts, supporting ongoing learning and leadership. 
  • The Aadi Karmayogi Mission supports responsive governance through local-level planning, quick grievance redressal, and joint implementation. It brings together departments like Tribal Affairs, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, Jal Shakti, Education, and Forests. 

What is TALASH? 

• About: Launched by the NESTS in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India, TALASH is an innovative platform designed to support the holistic development of over 1.38 lakh students across Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in India. 
  • The TALASH platform prepares tribal students to navigate the challenges of a competitive world by equipping them with essential life skills and career clarity. It also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing inclusive, equitable education for all. 
  • TALASH is rolling out in phases. So far, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs are trained. By the end of 2025, it will cover all EMRSs. 
• Key Features of TALASH:  
  • Psychometric Assessments: Based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) ‘Tamanna’ framework, students take an aptitude test and receive a personalized career card. 
  • Career Counselling: Helps students align their aspirations with their strengths and interests. 
  • Life Skills and Self-Esteem Modules: Offers interactive lessons to build confidence and emotional intelligence. 
  • E-Learning for Teachers: Empowers teachers with digital tools and training to guide and mentor students effectively.