Modi Highlights Tribal Rights and Development on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
Prime Minister Modi Addresses Tribal Issues
Modi participates via video conferencing in the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' programme held in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. (Photo:PTI)
Gadchiroli, Nov 15: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the struggles faced by tribal communities due to Naxal violence, criticizing past administrations for neglecting their needs and denying them voting rights.
During his virtual address at the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas event in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, which coincided with the 151st birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, Modi acknowledged the resilience of tribal communities against injustice.
“Tribal communities have endured the worst of Naxal violence. There was a period when Naxals prevented them from voting, while previous governments turned a blind eye,” he stated.
Modi highlighted the government's commitment to empowering tribal communities through various development initiatives across the nation, particularly in the Northeast region.
He mentioned the inauguration of a museum in Mizoram dedicated to tribal freedom fighter Ropuilliani and the establishment of a new building for the Tribal Research Institute in Arunachal Pradesh.
Additionally, Modi noted that the launched projects encompass educational institutions, healthcare facilities, marketing centers for tribal products, and improvements to basic infrastructure in tribal villages.
“Projects worth approximately Rs 30,000 crore have been inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid in various states,” he added.
On the same day, Modi inaugurated and laid the groundwork for 246 development projects valued at around Rs 3,000 crore, aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and community infrastructure in tribal regions.
Among these, 173 projects were inaugurated, which included 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal students and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).
Modi remarked that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, celebrated since November 2021, has transformed into a “national celebration,” with over two lakh events held across the country last year, engaging millions of citizens.
“In the past, many festivals and events were influenced by foreign perspectives. Today, India is embracing its heritage, history, and heroes with pride. This reflects a significant shift in our national consciousness,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister also connected the occasion to two significant achievements: nearly 50 crore individuals rising above extreme poverty and the decline of Naxalism and Maoist terrorism.
Referencing a recent World Bank report, Modi stated that around 50 crore people have escaped extreme poverty in India over the last 12-13 years.
He emphasized that these advancements are closely tied to the lives of tribal communities, who have historically faced the brunt of poverty and Naxal violence.