Udaipur/Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday launched Govind Guru Tribal Regional Development Scheme, aimed at improving the welfare of forest dwellers and traditional inhabitants under the Forest Rights Act.
Speaking at the Navadi Yugdhara Praneta Samagam programme in Banswara to mark the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda, he said, "Our govt is dedicated to ensure pride and progress for tribal societies. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, tribal welfare saw unprecedented advancements."
The scheme was announced in the 2024 budget.
He also reaffirmed that initiatives aimed at improving the lives of tribal communities in Rajasthan were launched by his govt to bring a sea change in the lives of tribals.
"Rs 114 crore was allocated to cooperative societies in the tribal region for development purposes. The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) fund increased from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 1,500 crore to ensure sustainable growth. Additionally, my plan is for constructing memorials to honour tribal leaders in Dungarpur and Banswara, along with the establishment of the Veer Balika Kalibai Museum in Udaipur," said Sharma.
The CM outlined plans to boost employment in the Vagad region by connecting key tourism hubs like Sitamata Sanctuary, Tripura Sundari, Beneshwar Dham, and Mangarh Dham through a proposed tourism circuit. This initiative will be complemented by industrial development, new railway and highway projects, and the establishment of educational institutions to improve the region's economic landscape.
Meanwhile, BJP national general secretary and Rajasthan in-charge, Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, accused the Congress party of distorting the sacrifices of tribal heroes and misrepresenting them to the public.
Addressing a gathering, Agarwal highlighted the valour of tribal leaders and their contribution to India's freedom struggle.