Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel leads state-level celebration of World Tribal Day in Sabarkantha

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 9 (ANI): The state-level celebration of World Tribal Day took place under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at Arrdekta Institute, Navi Metral, Khedbrahma, in Sabarkantha district.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Patel said that the indigenous tribes, known as Adivasis(Tribals), have been spiritually connected with nature and have worshipped Birsa Munda for centuries. As part of their efforts to preserve the rich history, proud culture, traditions, and identity of the tribal community, August 9 is celebrated every year as “World Tribal Day.”

The Chief Minister emphasised that the state government has always been committed to ensuring that tribal communities, from Ambaji to Umargam, receive basic amenities such as water, healthcare, education, and employment.

He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established Gujarat as a unique model for tribal development.

“August is the month of revolution. Whether it was Guru Govind Singh at Mangarh or Motilal Tejawat at Pal Dadhav, Tribals have significantly contributed to the freedom struggle. India has also been blessed with its first tribal President Droupadi Murmu. The Prime Minister has launched the PM Janman Campaign aimed at the development of 30,000 tribal families, benefitting 1.5 lakh people,” CM Patel said.

CM Patel said that efforts are being made by the government to ensure that the primary needs of the people–such as healthcare, education, employment, housing, and roads–are met for the tribal communities. Significant schemes like the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, Forest Rights Act, Samras Hostels, Integrated Dairy Development, and Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana have been implemented for their benefit.

A special provision of Rs 1 lakh crore was allocated in the budget for tribal development. Additionally, another Rs 1 lakh crore has been allocated under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Phase-2, along with an additional Rs 30,000 crore budget. Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, ‘Nal Se Jal’, and the establishment of GIDCs (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporations) in tribal areas, new employment opportunities have been created, leading to qualitative improvements in the lives of the people.

The Chief Minister also announced that under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Vikas Unnat Gam Yojana, the government has pledged to achieve 100 per cent development of 63,000 villages, benefiting five crore tribal people across the country. As part of the PM Jan Man Abhiyan, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Man Abhiyan was launched to integrate 1.5 lakh individuals from 30,000 families belonging to primitive tribal groups into the mainstream.

To ensure that children from tribal areas can pursue education while living in urban areas, educational institutions have been established. Additionally, coaching classes for medical and engineering entrance exams have been provided to tribal students, bringing about a 360-degree transformation to ensure that all reserved seats for tribal students are fully occupied.

On this occasion, Tribal Development and Education Minister Kuber Dindor mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tribal development has gained significant momentum. He further highlighted that with the provision of coaching facilities for medical and engineering entrance exams, tribal students are now pursuing education in these fields.

On the occasion of World Tribal Day, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a total of 4,293 projects across the state, amounting to Rs 1,014.14 crores. This included the foundation stone laying for 2,240 projects worth Rs 411.37 crores and the inauguration of 2,053 projects worth Rs 602.78 crores.

Among these in Sabarkantha district, CM laid the foundation stone for 216 projects worth Rs 3,762.88 lakhs and inaugurated 197 projects worth Rs 2,091.37 lakhs. Additionally, individual benefits totalling Rs 4,682.00 lakhs were distributed to 7,618 beneficiaries across various departments.

On World Tribal Day, students from the tribal community performed traditional cultural dances. During the event CM released a poetry book written by a child from the region.

The event was attended by District Panchayat President Bharti Patel, Himatnagar MLA VD Zala, Member Ramanlal Vora, Prantij MLA Gajendrasinh Parmar, Additional Chief Secretary JP Gupta, Range IG Manish Singh, Sabarkantha Collector Naimesh Dave, District Development Officer Harshad Vora, District Police Chief Vijay Patel, Project Administrator Vishal Saxena, along with other district officials.