Surat: Chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 37 development projects worth Rs 102.87 crore in Ahwa of Dang at the state-level celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. At the event, benefits amounting to Rs 2.34 crore were distributed to 568 beneficiaries under various govt schemes.
During the event, Patel highlighted the nationwide celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Paying tribute to Munda, he recounted his contributions as a social reformer, warrior, and freedom fighter, inspiring the audience with stories of his life and legacy.
The CM emphasised the transformative impact of tribal welfare initiatives implemented in Gujarat since 2007. Under the leadership of then CM Narendra Modi, the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana was launched, focusing on holistic tribal development, including connectivity, education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure. Highlighting the progress achieved, he noted improvements in literacy rates, access to higher education, and better living conditions for tribal communities.
"The state govt has now introduced Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana 2.0, with an allocation exceeding Rs 22,000 crore in this year's budget. PM Modi's efforts are empowering tribal communities through visionary policies and development initiatives, bringing them into the mainstream while preserving their cultural identity," Patel said.
The CM further said, "PM Modi has ushered in a new era of development-focused politics, providing opportunities for tribal and other communities across regions—from Ahwa to Assam and Zalod to Jharkhand—to integrate into the mainstream of progress. He emphasised that tribal empowerment will pave the way for achieving the goal of a developed India."
Cabinet minister for tribal development Kuber Dindor and Dang MLA Vijay Patel addressed the gathering.