Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday launched projects worth Rs 1,535 crore for tribal development in the state on the occasion of mega celebration of Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda in the city.
The initiative includes upgrading 16 ashram schools to high schools at Rs 15 crore each and converting 13 secondary schools to higher secondary schools at Rs 22 crore each. The project also covers the construction of hostels in 426 primary schools at Rs 852 crore.
Also, a tribal culture and heritage building and a tribal language institute will also be set up at Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar. For this, Rs 50 crore will be spent. The other initiative includes the construction of five multi-purpose centres at Rs 3 crore.
Launching the initiatives, the chief minister stated that today is a day to honour the rich traditions of tribal communities. During his address, he mentioned the sacrifices and contributions of great tribal freedom fighters like Laxman Nayak, Ratna Nayak, Chakra Bisoi, Dora Bisoi, and Rendo Majhi.
About the initiatives, the CM said that these projects aimed to bridge the gaps in health, education, livelihood, and infrastructure in tribal communities. "The initiatives are spread across 7,667 villages in 27 districts and efforts are being made for its successful implementation," he stated.
The chief minister stated that their govt is committed to protecting the rich heritage and traditions of tribal communities. "Various measures are being made for holistic development of tribal communities, empowering them through forest land rights," he said.
Majhi said they prioritised the comprehensive development of tribal communities. "To prevent dropout rates among tribal students, the govt is implementing the ‘Madho Singh Haat Kharch Scheme'," he said.
Union coal and mines minister Prahlad Joshi, who was on a visit to the state, also participated in the celebration and said on the occasion that Bhagwan Birsa Munda's struggle and sacrifice against British oppression will always be inspirational.
Union minister of state for power and new and renewable energy, Shripad Naik, also attended the event and remarked that Bhagwan Birsa Munda's efforts to strengthen the unity of the tribal society and work for their development are unparalleled.