Last 9 yrs have been glorious for progress of tribals: BJP VP

Varanasi: National vice president of the BJP and in charge for UP Radha Mohan Singh said that it is for the first time in 75 years of independence that a tribal woman is holding the top constitutional position of the President of India. Addressing the valedictory session of two-day BJP Anusuchit Janjati Morcha’s state executive body meet at the Kashi regional unit office of the party in Rohania, Singh said: “The last nine years have been a glorious time for the progress of tribal people as they not only got recognition for the first time after independence. A tribal woman has become the President and the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda is also celebrated now as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (November 15).”
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tribal population witnessed initiatives which would benefit its future generations. “Opening of museums on tribal freedom fighters in states, extending quota in Lok Sabha and assemblies of states for ST candidates for 10 years, education programmes and schemes for tribal children and youths are the part of the initiatives of the Modi government,” he added.
“The PM gives priority to tribal arts and products in gifts to foreign guests. Initiatives of the PM have boosted the demand of tribal art and products as the government is also trying to explore new markets for it. More than 3000 Vandhan development centres have been established so far and 90 forest products and yields have been covered with minimum support price,” he said adding that the expansion of self-help groups is benefitting lakhs of tribals.
He said all the schemes and programmes were being finalised with a target of the uplift of poor, deprived, ST/SC and most backward class people.
Jharkhand’s former CM Babulal Marandi said that despite the country had 10 crore tribal population, no political party took note of them and worked for their uplift. “When the NDA government was formed, the tribal population started getting benefits of government schemes,” he added.
“Members of ST community have made outstanding contribution to the freedom struggle but it was downplayed by historians and no place was given to them in textbooks. PM Modi not only restored the pride of tribal people but also ensured their representation in his cabinet,” he said.
Marandi targeted Congress for betraying tribal people by keeping their areas backward.
“The Modi government ensured proper road connectivity, clean toilet, health services and insurance, LPG connection, power supply, homes, free vaccine and ration and all other benefits of government scheme to tribal population,” he said, calling upon the Morcha cadre to reach out to tribal households and ensure that benefits of government schemes reach them.
BJPAJM national president Samir Orao hailed the PM for focussing on social and political development of tribal people. He also discussed strategies for the formation of booth committee especially in tribal areas.