Tribal museum, competitive exam library to come up in Nagpur, state plans tribal commission

Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has announced the establishment of a tribal museum and a competitive exam library in Nagpur as part of a comprehensive strategy to uplift tribal communities. Tribal development minister Ashok Uike told the media on Wednesday that the initiatives will preserve indigenous culture whilst providing essential resources for students preparing for competitive examinations.
The museum, a long-awaited step, will serve as a dedicated space to showcase the traditions, heritage, and contributions of Maharashtra's tribal communities. The library, envisioned as part of a Centre of Excellence, will offer a well-equipped reading space and study materials for aspirants.
Uike, who hails from Yavatmal, emphasised that the state is working on consolidating all tribal welfare schemes under one framework to ensure direct and efficient access to benefits without administrative impediments. He noted that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has proposed a 10% increase in the tribal development budget, enabling the government to implement welfare programmes more efficaciously.
The minister shared insights from his review visits to tribal development project offices, where he assessed the implementation of key schemes. Out of 17 project offices, he personally visited nine to evaluate progress. As part of the initiative to enhance tribal education, he introduced the ‘One Day Stay in Tribal Schools' programme on February 7, allowing him to interact directly with students to understand their challenges. Uike reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving facilities in ashram schools and expanding quality education in remote tribal areas.
Further strengthening the institutional framework for tribal welfare, Maharashtra will establish a State Tribal Commission, modelled after the Central Tribal Commission, to streamline policies and initiatives. Additionally, tribal girls' hostels across the state will be upgraded with enhanced facilities, ensuring a secure and conducive learning environment. The government is also working on improving Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) for tribal students, ensuring timely financial assistance.
The tribal development department has formulated a 100-day action plan comprising 55 targeted programmes, aimed at accelerating welfare initiatives in education, healthcare, and social upliftment. Uike assured that these programmes will bring substantial improvements to tribal communities and ensure that development efforts reach every section of society effectively.
The state is also set to launch a campaign encouraging tribal students to pursue higher education abroad, helping them access international academic opportunities. In a parallel effort to modernise education, 121 tribal schools will be converted into digital learning centres, equipping students with contemporary educational resources.