Odisha: CM Lays Foundation for Rs 1,535 Crore Tribal Welfare Projects on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for welfare projects worth ₹1,535 crore, reaffirming his government’s commitment to the development of tribal communities. Addressing a gathering at Janata Maidan, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, hailing him as a unique figure in India’s freedom struggle and a beacon of hope for tribal upliftment.

In his speech, the Chief Minister also remembered other tribal freedom fighters, including Shaheed Laxman Nayak, Ratna Nayak, Chakra Bishoi, Dora Bishoi, and Rendo Majhi, acknowledging their immense contributions to shaping the nation’s history and preserving its cultural legacy.

Unveiling the ambitious welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister outlined plans to upgrade 16 ashram schools to high schools at a cost of ₹240 crore and convert 13 secondary schools into higher secondary schools for ₹286 crore. Additionally, 426 primary school hostels will be constructed at an expense of ₹852 crore, addressing critical educational infrastructure needs. Plans to invest ₹100 crore in a tribal culture and heritage building at Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar, ₹50 crore in a tribal language institute, and ₹4 crore in a tribal heritage building were also announced. Furthermore, five multipurpose centres will be constructed for ₹3 crore.

During the event, Habitat Rights under the Forest Land Rights Act were granted to eight Specially Protected Tribal Groups (PVTG), making Odisha a national leader in implementing this transformative initiative. The Chief Minister stressed the government’s dedication to empowering tribal communities by preserving their traditions and creating opportunities for their all-around development.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the central government’s efforts to honor Birsa Munda’s legacy. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative in launching the Dharti Aba Janatiya Gram Utkarsh Yojana in Jamui, Bihar. This nationwide campaign, aimed at addressing disparities in health, education, livelihood, and infrastructure, includes 7,667 villages across 27 districts in Odisha, with the state government working actively for its success through special village councils.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also paid homage to Birsa Munda, calling his struggle against British oppression “forever inspiring.” He noted that previous governments had overlooked Munda’s contributions, but under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, his birth anniversary is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. Joshi also highlighted the PM Janman Yojana, which has brought solar-powered electricity to tribal regions in 18 states.

Union Minister Shripad Naik, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi also reflected on Birsa Munda’s unparalleled contributions, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in the upliftment of tribal communities.

As Odisha celebrates Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the state’s focus remains firmly on preserving the heritage and fostering the progress of its tribal population through dedicated initiatives and transformative programs.