Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra via video conferencing on November 15, commemorating the birth anniversary of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The speech primarily focused on two major government achievements and the inauguration of new development projects.
On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, more than 170 projects related to tribal development were inaugurated across different states, and foundation stones were laid for more than 70 additional projects. These initiatives include educational institutions, healthcare facilities, marketing centers for tribal products, and basic amenities expansion in villages. The total value of these inaugurated and launched projects amounts to nearly ₹3000 crore. Specific projects mentioned include a museum dedicated to freedom fighter Ropuiliani Ji in Mizoram and a new building of the Tribal Research Institute in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Prime Minister highlighted two significant national achievements. First, he cited a World Bank report stating that nearly 50 crore people have emerged from extreme poverty in India over the past 12-13 years, which he described as one of the country's greatest achievements since Independence. He credited this success to government welfare schemes including the allocation of more than ₹1 lakh crore for the PM-JANMAN Scheme and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, the construction of over four crore permanent houses for poor families, electrification of 18,000 villages, Ayushman Bharat healthcare coverage up to ₹5 lakh, establishment of 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and sanitation facilities that reduced disease risks.
The second achievement emphasized was India's freedom from Naxalism and Maoist terror. The Prime Minister noted that in 2014, nearly 125 districts were affected by Maoism and Naxalism with hundreds of violent incidents occurring annually, resulting in thousands of deaths predominantly among tribal communities. He contrasted this with the current situation where areas like Bastar in Chhattisgarh and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra have become secure, allowing for normal activities including voting and celebration of festivals like Diwali without fear.
The address also mentioned development initiatives in over 100 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks, many with significant tribal populations, and the new PM Krishi Dhan Dhanya Yojana focusing on 100 agriculturally backward districts. The speech concluded by emphasizing tribal contributions to national progress and the significance of celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas annually with greater enthusiasm.