Tripura Chief Minister Highlights Growth Projects for Tribal Communities on Birsa Munda Birth Anniversary

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha marked the 151st birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda on Sunday by inaugurating four new Eklavya Model Residential Schools in the state. Speaking at a 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' event in Chawmanu within the Dhalai district, the Chief Minister honored the freedom fighter's brave fight against British colonial rule and noted his role in mobilizing indigenous people.

Education And Growth

With the latest additions, Tripura now has 16 operational residential schools for tribal students, while two more will open soon out of 21 sanctioned by the Centre. Chief Minister Saha stated that he has already asked the Union Government to approve 15 additional schools by relaxing current rules, emphasizing that learning is key to social advancement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Tribal Welfare Minister Jual Oram joined the national celebrations virtually from Delhi, where the Prime Minister launched 246 development projects valued at about 3,000 crore rupees to boost education, health, and local infrastructure. These nationwide efforts included 173 newly opened works such as 38 Eklavya schools and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under the PM-JANMAN scheme. State officials also pointed to welfare programs like the CM Rubber Mission and the 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan', alongside remarks from Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma about how areas once troubled by armed groups now host modern educational institutions.

Context

Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has been observed nationwide since 2021 to celebrate the heritage and freedom struggle contributions of India's tribal communities. Eklavya Model Residential Schools are special government-funded boarding facilities designed to provide quality middle and high school education to students in remote tribal pockets.