In accordance with section 3(b) of the Parliamentary Under Secretaries Act 1988, appointments as Associate Ministers for the Members of Parliament provided hereunder, have been terminated with immediate effect. This emanates from the issue of confidence in the Prime Minister to continue to work with the Associate Ministers, and the Associate Ministers’ expression of no confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership.
These include;
i. Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa, Associate Minister Commerce, Industry and Labour.
ii. Fuiono Tenina Crichton, Associate Minister Communications and Information Technology.
iii. Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo, Associate Minister Agriculture and Fisheries.
iv. Seuamuli Fasi Toma, Associate Minister Women, Community and Social Development.
v. Hon. Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota, Associate Minister Police, Prisons and Corrections.
vi. Agaseata Valelilo Tanuvasa Peto, Associate Minister Education and Culture.
vii. Tea Tooala Peato, Associate Minister Health.
viii. Magele Sekati Fiaui, Associate Minister of Finance, initially appointed as Associate Minister of Communication and Information Technology.
ix. Fo’isala Lilo Tu’u Ioane, Associate Minister Health.
x. Fesola’i Apulu Tusiupu Tuigamala, Associate Minister Justice and Courts Administration.
xi. Ale Vena Ale, Associate Minister Customs and Revenue.
xii. Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe, Associate Minister Customs and Revenue.
xiii. Manuleleua Paletasala Tovale, Associate Minister Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The termination of Fepuleai Faasavalu Faimata Su’a’s appointment as Associate Minister for Police, Prisons and Corrections was issued and made effective from 24th November 2023.
The functions and responsibilities of the Executive Arm of Government continue under the leadership of the Prime Minister – Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and Cabinet.
The issue of confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership rests with Parliament. It is not a responsibility of a political party.
Prime Minister of Samoa Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa KEYNOTE REMARKS at the “Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Atele Packhouse”
(Atele Horticulture Centre, Nu’u, Tuesday 18th February 2025@10 am)
Reverend Iamafana Fa’a’u’uga,
Honourable Ministers of Cabinet,
Representatives of our Development partners,
Representatives of the World Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),
Distinguished Guests, Community Leaders, our dedicated farmers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all this morning, and it is my honour to address this significant occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Atele Packhouse; a project that represents progress, resilience, and opportunity for Samoa’s Agriculture sector.
This project, valued at $4.5 million Samoan Tala, is a critical investment under the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing Project (SAFPROM). It is a testament to our government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the Agricultural sector, which is one of the lifelines of our economy and the very backbone of our rural communities.
Ladies and gentlemen, the journey to this day has not been without its challenges. Since the launch of SAFPROM in March 2020, we have faced both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic obstacles that tested our resilience. The disruptions brought about by COVID-19 affected global supply chains, market access, and the livelihoods of many of our farmers and fishers. Yet, despite these challenges, the project has persevered, reaching over 3,000 farming households and communities across Samoa. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication of our people, the strength of our partnerships, and our collective vision for a more productive and sustainable Agricultural sector.
The core objective of SAFPROM, is to enhance the productivity and market access of our farmers and fishers, by improving value chains, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening the institutions that support our food systems. This aligns perfectly with our national vision of ensuring food security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development for all Samoans.
Today, we mark the beginning of the construction of a packhouse facility that will revolutionize the way we handle and market our agricultural produce. The Atele Packhouse will be a game-changer in post-harvest processing, quality control, and distribution. It will provide our farmers with the infrastructure they need to meet stringent market standards, reduce post-harvest losses, and ultimately increase their incomes. With a construction timeline of approximately seven months, this facility will soon stand as a symbol of progress, one that will open doors to greater economic opportunities and expand Samoa’s potential as a competitive player in the regional and global agricultural markets.
Our Agriculture sector today faces increasing demands for quality and consistency in both local and export markets. Consumers, whether they are in Samoa or abroad, expect high standards in food safety, packaging, and traceability. The functions of this packhouse will directly address these demands. It will serve as a centralized hub for cleaning, sorting, processing, and packaging of our fresh produce, ensuring that our farmers can supply premium-quality products, that meet the expectations of buyers and consumers. More importantly, this facility will also support our efforts to increase agricultural exports, positioning Samoa to access high-value markets with confidence.
Beyond its economic impact, the Atele Packhouse represents a broader vision of sustainability. By enhancing efficiency in post-harvest management, we are reducing food waste and optimizing the use of resources. This aligns with our commitment to building a resilient Agriculture sector, that is adaptive to climate change and supportive of long-term environmental sustainability.
I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our development partners – the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – for their invaluable support and collaboration in making this project a reality. Your commitment to strengthening Samoa’s Agriculture sector has been instrumental in empowering our farmers, improving our food systems, and fostering economic growth. We deeply appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing this journey together in the future.
I also acknowledge the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Finance, the dedicated farmers, and all stakeholders who have contributed their expertise and efforts to this project. Your hard work and commitment ensure that we continue to make meaningful progress in transforming our agriculture and fisheries industries.
As we break ground today, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing our Agriculture related development initiatives and efforts, and let us work together to ensure that this packhouse fulfills its purpose of supporting sustainable economic opportunities for our farmers and exporters. With determination and unity, I have no doubt that this project will leave a lasting beneficial impact on our Agriculture sector and the livelihoods of our people.
May this groundbreaking event, be the foundation of a brighter future for Samoa’s farmers and exporters, and all those who depend on this vital industry.
Thank you and may God bless Samoa.
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leota Marc Membrere)
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today highlighted the grace that Maa Jagdambe brings as a new dawn of happiness in the lives of devotees. He also shared a prayer by Smt. Lata Mangeshkar.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 was introduced to fix problems in the management and governance of Waqf properties. The aim is to make rules clearer, include more people in decision-making, and improve how Waqf assets are used.
On August 8, 2024, two bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha; Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024. These bills aim to make Waqf Boards work more smoothly and ensure Waqf properties are managed well.
The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, which was created during British rule and is now outdated. Removing this old law will help create a more consistent, transparent, and accountable system under the Waqf Act, 1995, removing confusion caused by the old law.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025aims to update the Waqf Act, 1995, to solve problems in managing Waqf properties. It proposes several improvements, such as:
Overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards by introducing changes such as renaming the Act
Updating the definitions of Waqf
Improving the registration process
Increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
Distinctive aspects of this Bill:
On August 9, 2024, both Houses of Parliament agreed through separate motions to send the Bill to a Joint Committee for review and a report. This Joint Committee included 21 Members from the Lok Sabha and 10 Members from the Rajya Sabha.
Since the Bill is important and has a broad impact, the Committee decided to gather opinions from the public, experts, stakeholders, and other relevant organizations on its provisions.
The first sitting took place on August 22, 2024 and the key organizations/ stakeholders consulted during the sittings were:
All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama, Mumbai;
Indian Muslims of Civil Rights (IMCR), New Delhi
Muttaheda Majlis-e- Ulema, J&K (Mirwaiz Umar Farooq)
Zakat Foundation of India
Anjuman E Shiteali Dawoodi Bohra Community
Chanakya National Law University, Patna
All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz, Delhi
All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Delhi
All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC), Ajmer
Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Delhi
Muslim Women Intellectual Group – Dr. Shalini Ali, National Convener
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Delhi
Shia Muslim Dharamguru and Intellectual Group
Darul Uloom Deoband
The Joint Parliamentary Committee held 36 meetings, where they listened to the opinions and suggestions of representatives from different Ministries, Departments, State Governments, State Waqf Boards, and experts/stakeholders. In total, they received 97,27,772 memoranda through both physical and digital modes.
To thoroughly review the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, the Committee conducted detailed study visits across multiple cities in India. The details of the study visits in 10 cities are as under:
26.09.2024 to 010.2024: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru
09.11.2024 to 11.11.2024: Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar
18.01.2025 to 21.01.2025: Patna, Kolkata and Lucknow
The Committee had in-depth discussions, interacting with 284 stakeholders, 25 State Waqf Boards, 15 State Governments, 5 Minorities Commissions, and 20 Ministers/MPs/MLAs/MLCs. These visits helped Committee members understand the situation on the ground and collect region-specific insights.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has 44 Clauses and the Joint Committee on Waqf Amendment Bill (JCWAB) has recommended changes in 19 Clauses.
The Joint Committee submitted its report to the Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha on 31 January 2025, and the report was laid before both Houses of Parliament on 13 February 2025.
An example of recommendations submitted:
The All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz, an organization working for their upliftment, presented its suggestions before the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Introduction of an Appellate System
Better Management of Waqf Records
Stricter Penalties for Encroachment and Misuse
Disqualification of Board Members Involved in Irregularities
Proper Utilization of Waqf Property Revenue
Empowering Senior Revenue Officials for Fair Inquiry
Conclusion
The Joint Parliamentary Committee Report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 highlights the effort to make Waqf property management fair, transparent, and efficient. The Committee listened to different viewpoints, conducted study visits, and had detailed discussions to address the concerns of stakeholders. The proposed changes in the Bill aim to create a more inclusive and responsible system that meets the changing needs of society.
LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING IS SOUL OF ANY LAW, CLARITY AND SIMPLICITY IN LEGISLATION VERY IMPORTANT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER IT IS IMPORTANT FOR LEGISLATORS AND OFFICIALS TO BE WELL VERSED WITH LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS FROM 13 COUNTRIES ATTENDING 36TH INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING TRAINING PROGRAMME CALL ON LOK SABHA SPEAKER
PARTICIPANTS PRAISED THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN PARLIAMENT OF WORLD’S LARGEST DEMOCRACY
Posted On: 03 APR 2025 9:05PM by PIB Delhi
New Delhi; 03 April, 2025:Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today observed that Legislative Drafting is the soul of any law. Stressing on clarity and simplicity in legislation, he highlighted that as laws impact society and people for a long time, they must be clear and simple for understanding of the common people. This will lead to less litigations in courts and in turn save the resources. In the context of the dynamic socio-economic transformation of the world, he stated that it is very important for Legislators and officials to be well versed with Legislative Drafting in order to ensure that the needs of the public are fulfilled. This also results in meaningful debate and discussion on draft bills in the Parliament, he said.
Shri Birla made the remarks during an interaction with a group of 28 foreign participants from 13 countries attending the 36th International Legislative Drafting Training Programme being organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of Lok Sabha Secretariat in Parliament House, today.
भारतीय संसद के प्रशिक्षण संस्थान @LokSabha_PRIDE द्वारा आयोजित किए जा रहे 36वें अंतर्राष्ट्रीय लेजिस्लेटिव ड्राफ्टिंग प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम के प्रतिभागियों के साथ आज संसद भवन स्थित कार्यालय में वार्ता की।
The participants praised the legislative processes adopted in world’s largest democracy and the use of technology in simultaneous interpretation in 22 Indian languages and 6 foreign languages.
The programme is being conducted from March 26 to April 22, 2025 in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India) as part of the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) scheme.
Highlighting India’s growing stature as the world’s largest democracy, Shri Birla highlighted that PRIDE is playing a vital role in capacity building of legislatures from around the world. He observed that good Legislative Drafting is the core of proper legislation and hoped that this training programmes would be very helpful for all participants.
During the programme, participants are being trained on several themes, including the Constitution of India, the legislative process, parliamentary privileges, administrative law, consumer protection, and the new criminal laws. The participants will also have attachments with the Ministry of Law and Justice and State Legislatures.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth.
He wrote in a thread post on X:
“The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.”
“Gratitude to all Members of Parliament who participated in the Parliamentary and Committee discussions, voiced their perspectives and contributed to the strengthening of these legislations. A special thanks also to the countless people who sent their valuable inputs to the Parliamentary committee. Yet again, the importance of extensive debate and dialogue has been reaffirmed.”
“For decades, the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, Pasmanda Muslims. The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights.”
“We will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice. On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India.”
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on…
(GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT) Cabinet has approved the appointment of Malaeulu Aysha Perlina Rimoni as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Unit Trust of Samoa for the next three years.
She takes over the reins from former CEO Tevaga Viane Tagiilima who did not reapply for the position.
Malaeulu has served the trust in the position of Chief Investment Analyst (ACEO level position), a 3-year term contract with UTOS for two full-terms and was six months into her third term when she was appointed to CEO.
She was reappointed to her third year term as ACEO Chief Investment in September 2024.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (with Honours) in Information Science and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Information Science both from Otago University.
There were four applicants for the position.
END.
TOFIA MALAEULU AYSHA PERLINA RIMONI MA OFISA SILI O PULEGA O FA’APUTUGĀTUPE TEU FA’AFAIGALUEGA O MAVAEGA TAUSI A SAMOA [U.T.O.S.]
[SO’O’UPU A LE MĀLŌ]: Ua fa’amaonia aloā’ia e le Kapeneta le tofia ai o le afioga iā Malaeulu Aysha Perlina Rimoni e avea ma Ofisa Sili o Pulega o Fa’aputugātupe Teu Fa’afaigaluega o Mavaega Tausi a Samoa [U.T.O.S.] mo le 3 tausaga.
O lea avanoa sa se’ei ai le tofā iā Tevaga Viane Tagiilima ma e le’i toe talosaga.
O Malaeulu, ua loa lana tautua i le U.T.O.S. ma ua lava fo’i lona silafia i le fa’atinoga ma le fa’afoeina o galuega fa’ata’ita’i mo lea auaunaga.
E lua ana nofoā’iga ta’itolu tausaga sa avea ai ma Ofisa Sili Lagolago [Chief Investment Analyst] mo le U.T.O.S. ma o Setema o le tausaga ua mavae, na toe tofia ai fo’i i lea lava tofiga mo le isi tolu tausaga.
O lo’o ia umia Fa’ailoga Tauāloa o le Bachelor of Commerce [with Honors] in Information Science i le 2014 fa’atasi ai ma le Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Information Science mai le Iunivesite o Otago, Dunedin i Niu Sila lava i le 2013 fa’atasi ai ma nisi o Tusipasi Tauāloa.
[PRESS RELEASE – 25th March 2025] – The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, through its Animal Production and Health Division, hereby issues this official notice to all livestock farmers and stakeholders regarding a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing livestock development in Samoa.
As part of its commitment to strengthening and modernizing government-owned farms, the Ministry has undertaken a comprehensive review and restructuring of its strategies to ensure long- term sustainability and productivity. Accordingly, the temporary suspension of livestock sales has been deemed necessary to facilitate these improvements.
Key Initiatives for Livestock Development:
Implementation of artificial insemination technology (AI) to enhance breeding programs; Importation of superior livestock breeds from international sources;
Introduction of high-quality foreign livestock breeds with robust genetics tailored for Samoa’s climate;
Development and enhancement of feed mills and animal nutrition programs; Research and cultivation of new pasture species to optimize livestock feeding.
Implementation Plan and Suspension Periods:
1. Cattle: Sales suspension for 3 years, effective from May 2025 to May 2028.
2. Sheep: Sales suspension for 1 year, effective from May 2025 to May 2026.
3. Pigs (Meaituãolo): Sales suspension for 1 year, effective from May 2025 to May 2026.
Additional Provisions:
The Ministry has partnered with designated livestock multipliers (private breeders) who will continue to supply livestock to farmers during the suspension period. Farmers are encouraged to liaise with these authorized breeders for their livestock needs.
This strategic intervention seeks to address the current challenges of livestock shortages while laying the foundation for a more resilient and productive livestock sector.
The Ministry acknowledges any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciates the cooperation and support of all stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of these reforms.
We humbly request the cooperation of all livestock farmers and stakeholders as we work towards a more sustainable and well-equipped livestock sector.
For further information, please contact: Animal Production and Health Division Office at Vaea – Phone: 21052 or Main Office at Sogi, TATTE Building – Phone: 22561
END.
TAOFIA LE TUMAU FA’ATAUINA ATU O LAFUMANU MAI FA’ATOAGA A LE MALO I VAEA, TOGITOGIGA, LEMAFA MA TANUMALALA MO LE MAMALU O LE AUFAIFAATOAGA LAFUMANU
[PEPA O FAAMATALAGA – 25 Mati 2025] – Fa’asilasilaga taua mai le Vaega o Atinae o Lafumanu a le Matagaluega o Fa’atoaga ma Faigafaiva e fa’apea:
I le ava ma le fa’aaloalo e tatau ai, e tu’uina atu ai lenei fa’asilasilaga aloa’ia mo le mamalu i pa’aga uma aufaifa’atoaga failafumanu a le matagaluega ina ia nofo silafia le fuafuaga o le a amata fa’atinoina ma fa’amamaluina, aua le si’itia o atinae tau lafumanu i totonu o le atunu’u.
O lea ua a’e ai se tofa i le Matagaluega mo le toe fetu’una’i ma toe fa’atulaga ni alafua fou mo le fa’aleleia o fa’atoaga a le malo, ma e ao ona ave iai le fa’amuamua i le taimi nei.
O polokalame mo le fa’aleleia o atinae ua fuafua iai le matagaluega e aofia ai :
Fa’aaogaina o metotia fa’atekonolosi mo le fa’afeusua’iga o manu (Artificial Insemination – Al), Fa’aulufaleina mai o ituaiga fou o manu mai atunu’u mamao (New Species /Breeds),
Nisi ituaiga manu papalagi silisili ona lelei ma mautinoa le ola maloloina i le tau i Samoa nei (genetics),
Polokalame fa’aleleia o meaai ma fale e gaosi meaai mo manu (Feedmill), Polokalame fa’aleleia ituaiga vao fou talafeagai mo manu.
O le Auiliiliina o lenei Fuafuaga o le a fa’amanino atu i lalo:
Fuafuaga :
1. Manu papalagi :
Taofia le fa’atauina atu mo le 3 tausaga – amata fa’amamaluina i le masina o Me 2025 seia aulia le masina Me 2028.
2. Mamoe:
Taofia le faʼatauina atu mo le 1 tausaga amata fa’amamaluina masina Me 2025 seia aulia Me 2026.
3. Pua’a (meaituāolo):
Taofia le fa’atauina atu mo le 1 tausaga – amata fa’amamaluina masina Me 2025 seia aulia le masina Me 2026.
Nisi o aiaiga ma teuteuga o lenei fuafuaga :
O lo’o iai pa’aga a le Matagaluega faifa’atoaga failafumanu papalagi (multipliers) ona fa’afesootai ane iai mo ni manu e fia fa’atauina.
O se tasi lenei o luitau ua feagai nei ma le Matagaluega, ma e ao ai ona faia ni suiga lelei ina ia mafai ona tali atu i faafitauli o feagai nei o le le lava o manu aua atinae a le mamalu o le aufaifaatoaga failafumanu. E tatalo atu ai ma le agaga maualalo ina ia lava papale lo outou paia ma lo outou mamalu ae sei toe tapena le matagaluega e faatino lana pitola’au pei ona fuafua ma faataoto i le taimi nei.
E avea ai lenei laolao matou te fa’amalulu atu ma asu atu vaimalu i puega i o outou finagalo Samoa aemaise o paʼaga totino a le Matagaluega i le aufaifa’atoaga failafumanu ona o lenei fuafuaga ua faia mo se taimi le tumau.
Mo nisi fa’amatalaga, fa’amolemole fa’afesootai mai le Ofisa Vaega o Atinae o Lafumanu a le Matagaluega i Vaea i le telefoni numera 21052 po’o le Ofisa Autu i Sogi, TATTE, numera: 22561
[PRESS RELEASE – 24th March 2025] – The Samoa Bureau of Statistics through its Census, Survey and Demography Division will be hosting an official opening of the Samoa DHS-MICS 2025 main training for enumerators on Monday 24th March, 2025 at the DBS Conference room level 6 at 9:00am.
The main aim of the training is to assist and equip the enumerators with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the DHS-MICS 2025 data collection activity.
The training will be officially opened by the Government Statistician (GS) followed by official remarks from the respected partners namely Australian High Commissioner in Samoa, UNICEF Chief Fieldwork Officer in Samoa and UNPFA Assistant Representative in Samoa. Other invited guests are Senior Government Officials and members of the DHS-MICS Steering Committee from the Nuanua O le Alofa (NOLA), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and Ministry of Finance.
The Samoa DHS-MICS 2025 will collect information in the areas of population, health and nutrition targeting women and men of 15-49 years of age and children. The overall objective of the DHS-MICS 2025 is to provide data and information that will enhance the monitoring of most of the indicators under the Social Sectors of the economy namely Health, Education, Community, Law and Justice, as well as Water and Sanitation and Environment Sectors. The updated data will guide in the prioritization of most of the social sector programs and activities to be implemented in the next 5 years
Throughout the duration of the training, resource persons from key sectors will be invited to clarify some of the concepts in the questionnaires to better inform the enumerators before they start the data collection activity.
The training has been made possible by the support of our development partners namely UNICEF, UNFPA and the Tautua program under the Government of Australia DFAT. The Main fieldwork is scheduled to be started from May 5th -July 5th 2025 and we kindly request the public and communities support when the survey fieldwork starts.
For more information, please contact Kaisarina Moananu at email kaisarina.moananu@sbs.gov.ws or Victoria Tuivaiti at email victoria.tuivaiti@sbs.gov.ws or phone number 23033.
Grand Opening of Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025: A New Era for Tribal Startups Begins 45+ Tribal Startups Shine at Startup Mahakumbh 2025
IIT Delhi Boot Camp Empowers Tribal Youth with Design Thinking
META Hosts Tech Know-How Session for Emerging Tribal Entrepreneurs
Posted On: 03 APR 2025 11:20PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) today inauguratedDharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025underJanjatiya Gaurav VarshatBharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as a key highlight ofStartup Mahakumbh 2025.
Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, inaugurated the program in the presence of Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, MoTA, alongside industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and government officials. With over 5000 attendees, the event marked a significant milestone in fostering tribal entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance.
Honoring the Legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda
The Government of India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, reinforcing his ideals of self-sufficiency and economic independence. Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 embodies his vision by creating sustainable opportunities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs and startups.
A Major Push for Tribal Startups
In alignment with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is strengthening the tribal startup ecosystem as part of its 100-day action plan.
Key initiatives include: ✅ Collaboration with IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, and industry associations to nurture tribal startups. ✅ Launch of a ₹50 crore Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (STs) to provide financial support for tribal-led businesses. ✅ 45+ tribal startups , some incubated at IIM Calcutta, IIM Kashipur, and IIT Bhilai showcased at Startup Mahakumbh, with several already securing funding.
Key Highlights from Startup Mahakumbh 2025
💡 Tribal Startup Showcase: ST entrepreneurs exhibited innovative products and solutions. 💼 Investor Engagements: Startups connected with venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry experts. 📊 Technical Sessions: Organized by META, focusing on business scalability, digital transformation, and market expansion. 🤝 Exclusive Networking: Featuring unicorn founders, startup leaders, and investors to facilitate mentorship and funding.
Boot Camp at IIT Delhi: Cultivating the Next Generation of Tribal Innovators
To empower young tribal minds, MoTA has initiated a special boot camp at IIT Delhi, offering hands-on learning and mentorship for: 🎓 100 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to gain startup exposure. 🏆 150 tribal students under scholarship programs to experience India’s thriving startup ecosystem. 🔬 50 ST students from Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to engage in interactive sessions with investors and entrepreneurs.
Government’s Commitment to Tribal Entrepreneurship
Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, emphasized:“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ST-led entrepreneurs are excelling in various sectors. The day is not far when ST startups will achieve unicorn status.”
Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, MoTA, reaffirmed the Ministry’s support:“We are committed to scaling tribal startups to the next level by facilitating access to venture capital, angel investors, and new markets. From deep tech to organic products and handlooms, ST entrepreneurs are shaping India’s future.”
A Historic Step Towards Inclusive Growth
Through Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025, the Government of India is transforming tribal entrepreneurship, paving the way for self-reliant, sustainable, and innovative enterprises. With support from key stakeholders, the initiative is set to redefine the tribal startup landscape and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient economy.