Prime Minister Modi Highlights Tribal Progress at Gadchiroli Event

Tribal communities suffered the most due to Maoist violence and were even denied voting rights in affected areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. Speaking virtually at a 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' programme in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, for the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, Mr. Modi stated that previous governments remained silent when Maoists abducted young women and took away children. The situation has changed now with the elimination of Maoist violence, and children are getting proper education and employment opportunities.

Welfare and Projects

The Prime Minister noted that nearly 50 crore people have come out of extreme poverty over the past 12 to 13 years. Citing a World Bank report, he attributed this to collective efforts and government welfare schemes. The Centre has allocated over ₹1 lakh crore for the PM-JANMAN scheme and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. On Sunday, more than 170 tribal development projects were inaugurated and foundations were laid for over 70 projects worth around ₹30,000 crore across states.

Background

Mr. Modi recalled the sacrifices of tribal freedom heroes including Tirath Singh, Sidho-Kanho, Govind Guru, Rani Gaidinliu, Tantya Bhil, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Rani Durgavati. Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, and deputy Durga Das Uikey attended the event in Gadchiroli.