On the eve of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, President Droupadi Murmu reiterated that the true development of India will only be realized when the tribal communities are also developed. Addressing the nation, she underscored the importance of fast-tracking the progress of tribal people as a national priority, highlighting the government’s ongoing commitment to the welfare and advancement of these communities.
“The country will only become truly developed when our tribal brothers and sisters are developed,” President Murmu said. She emphasized that while the tribal communities must preserve their centuries-old identities and rich cultures, they must also continue to march forward on the path of modern development, benefiting from the nation’s overall progress.
President Murmu praised the current government’s efforts in accelerating the journey of tribal development. She noted that numerous campaigns and large-scale programs have been launched to ensure that tribal people receive the benefits of national development and welfare initiatives. “Special measures have been taken to ensure that all tribal people have access to the facilities provided by national programs,” she added.
A key initiative that President Murmu highlighted was the PM-JANMAN Abhiyan, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas last year. The scheme is aimed at the comprehensive development of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), with an ambitious target of providing essential services and benefits to these communities ahead of the scheduled three-year timeline. With an expenditure of over Rs 24,000 crore, the campaign is making a significant impact on the lives of PVTGs.
Additionally, President Murmu spoke about the ‘Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’, launched this year on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi from the land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. With an allocation of Rs 80,000 crore, this nationwide initiative is designed to ensure that every tribal person benefits from government schemes. The campaign is expected to positively impact over five crore tribal people across the country.
In her address, President Murmu also touched upon the goal of eliminating sickle cell anemia from tribal communities by 2047. This initiative, she noted, forms part of the larger vision of building a developed and healthy India. She further emphasized that the funding for the **Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes** has increased significantly over the last decade, with the budget for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the year 2024-25 rising by 74 percent to Rs 13,000 crore, a testament to the government’s focus on tribal welfare.
Highlighting the growing awareness about tribal pride and their contributions to the nation’s civilization, President Murmu stated that a new consciousness is emerging across India, rooted in the ideals of the Constitution. “This consciousness is being transformed into action, which will lay the foundation for a brighter future for the entire country, including the tribal society,” she said.
The President also reflected on the deep historical and cultural bond between the tribal communities and the rest of the nation, citing the example of Lord Ram’s exile in the Ramayana. “During his long exile, Lord Ram lived with the people of the tribal society like one of them. He adopted the forest dwellers, and in turn, the forest dwellers adopted Lord Ram,” she said, emphasizing the spirit of affinity and harmony that has been a cornerstone of India’s civilization and culture.
Concluding her address, President Murmu extended her greetings to the nation on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, calling it the beginning of a year-long celebration marking his 150th birth anniversary. She offered her homage to the “sacred memory” of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose legacy continues to inspire millions across the country.