JAMUI, Nov 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a series of development projects worth Rs 6,640 crore in Jamui, Bihar, emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to tribal welfare and youth empowerment. The announcement came as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Prime Minister also released a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the occasion.
Addressing a large gathering, PM Modi outlined several key initiatives aimed at the holistic development of tribal communities across India. He highlighted the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, provide training, and create employment opportunities for tribal youth. The launch of the Dharti Aaba, Janjatiya Gram, and Utkarsh Abhiyan schemes were central to his speech, which aims to transform over 60,000 tribal villages across the country. “Under these schemes, an investment of about Rs 80,000 crore will be made in tribal areas to provide essential services and create jobs for youth,” the Prime Minister stated.
Modi took the opportunity to recall the BJP-led government’s track record in tribal welfare, noting that 10 years ago, the budget for tribal development was just Rs 25,000 crore, but it has now increased fivefold to Rs 1.25 lakh crore. “It was under the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee that a separate ministry for tribal welfare was created, and today, our government continues that legacy,” said Modi.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to several initiatives aimed at improving the health and living conditions of tribal communities. These include the construction of 1.5 lakh pucca houses for tribal families, new schools and hostels for tribal children, and the provision of health facilities specifically for tribal women. He highlighted the national campaign to combat sickle cell anemia, a major health challenge for tribal populations, noting that nearly 4.5 crore people have been screened as part of this initiative.
In his address, PM Modi also underscored the importance of preserving and promoting tribal heritage, saying, “Tribal society has contributed significantly to India’s ancient medical systems, and we are working to preserve and build on this legacy.” He also noted that initiatives like the PM Janman Yojana, worth Rs 24,000 crore, are aimed at improving the lives of the most backward tribal communities.
On the subject of cultural recognition, Modi emphasized the government’s efforts to honor tribal art and culture, including the establishment of a museum in Ranchi dedicated to Birsa Munda. “The standard of today’s NDA government is different. I consider it a good fortune that our government had the opportunity to make Droupadi Murmu the first tribal President of India,” he said.
PM Modi’s visit to Jamui also marked the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations, where he paid tributes to the statue of Birsa Munda and participated in traditional dance performances. Dressed in a white kurta and olive green ethnic jacket, he joined the cultural festivities, even trying his hand at playing a traditional dhol.
The Prime Minister’s visit was accompanied by the launch of numerous projects aimed at strengthening the infrastructure in tribal areas, including hundreds of kilometers of new roads connecting tribal villages, and the development of schools, health centers, and community spaces.
As Modi concluded his address, he reiterated the government’s vision of a “new India” where tribal communities are empowered to contribute to the nation’s progress. “We are working towards ensuring the complete upliftment of tribal areas, and today’s projects are a step in that direction,” he said.
