The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and Karmayogi Bharat have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to train 1.54 lakh Adi Karmayogi Volunteers (AKVs) through the Centre’s Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi platform. The initiative aims to improve the delivery of tribal welfare schemes at the grassroots level.

Signed in New Delhi on Monday, the agreement provides for a dedicated Tribal Affairs Capacity Building Platform under the iGOT framework. It extends Mission Karmayogi’s capacity-building approach beyond civil servants to village-level volunteers and functionaries involved in tribal development programmes.

Under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, the ministry plans to establish more than 76,000 Adi Sewa Kendras (ASKs) and build a network of over 1.54 lakh AKVs. These platforms will support citizen engagement, welfare services and coordination among government schemes. According to data on the programme’s portal, states have registered 60,507 Adi Sewa Kendras and 1,22,072 volunteers so far.

The dedicated AKV microsite will offer standardised, mobile-friendly learning materials accessible anytime and anywhere. Courses will cover tribal welfare schemes, field responsibilities and procedures for accessing government benefits. The platform will also provide assessments and certification.

Ranjana Chopra, secretary of the ministry, said, “the Adi Karmayogi Microsite on iGOT Karmayogi is an important step towards democratising access to capacity building and strengthening grassroots leadership in tribal areas.”

“With 646 course enrolments, 235 course completions and 112 Adi Karmayogi Volunteers having successfully completed at least one course, the platform is demonstrating encouraging initial engagement. By equipping community volunteers with knowledge of government schemes, service delivery mechanisms and citizen-centric governance, this initiative aims to transform Adi Sewa Kendras into effective last-mile institutions for tribal empowerment,” she said.

She added that wider participation would help build a skilled, informed and responsive volunteer network, ensuring development benefits reach remote tribal settlements.

The platform will allow the ministry to update training materials centrally and track enrolment and learning progress across states. Karmayogi Bharat will operate and maintain the platform, onboard learners, provide technical support and analytics, and report progress. The ministry will identify learners and required skills, develop and approve courses, and promote participation. A joint steering committee will oversee implementation.

The digital training will complement a three-day, in-person programme designed by State Administrative Training Institutes with state tribal welfare departments. Priority states Maharashtra, Odisha, Goa and Tripura are expected to complete training by October 31, 2026. Other states must complete it by December 31, 2026.

The microsite is already operational. Instructional videos have reached over 1.25 lakh volunteers through bulk SMS, while more than 500 have logged in and enrolled in courses. Orientation sessions for state training institutes are complete.

“The agreement reflects the vision of placing governance in the hands of local communities. Trained volunteers are expected to help tribal families access their entitlements, support the planning and monitoring of welfare schemes, and improve coordination among government programmes at the village level,” added the secretary.