In a significant move towards tribal welfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a Rs 24,000-crore scheme, PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, on the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. Promising to work on a ‘mission mode’ to deliver justice to deprived tribals, Modi expressed a commitment to strengthen key pillars such as women, farmers, youth, and the middle class and poor for the nation’s development.
The newly launched scheme aims to reach out to vulnerable tribal groups, addressing their needs and delivering justice. Additionally, Modi inaugurated several other schemes, including Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a nationwide program targeting citizens eligible for central schemes but yet to benefit.
Emphasizing the importance of social justice, Modi stated, “True secularism comes only when all possibilities of discrimination against any citizen of the country are eliminated.” He highlighted the need for all government schemes to reach every citizen equally to ensure social justice.
Jharkhand, formed on Munda’s birth anniversary in 2000, witnessed the launch of these schemes, holding political significance as the BJP aims to appeal to tribal voters ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and elections in states with sizable tribal populations.
The PM outlined that a major foundation for a developed India is the ‘PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan,’ emphasizing that the budget for tribal welfare has been increased sixfold. The scheme targets 75 tribal communities and primitive tribes residing in more than 22,000 villages across the country.
Underlining the commitment, Modi mentioned that Rs 24,000 crore will be allocated to this mega scheme. Another initiative, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, will continue until January 26, 2024, with a mission to make every poor and deprived person a beneficiary of government schemes.
The Prime Minister stressed his vision for every citizen, ensuring access to basic amenities, and highlighted achievements during his regime, such as lifting 13 crore people out of poverty. He affirmed that ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ is a guarantee to the poor, deprived, women, youth, and farmers of India.
Modi expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her commitment to tribal community development. Additionally, he released Rs 18,000 crore as the 15th installment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and highlighted investments in free vaccination for livestock and the Vishwakarma Scheme.
The Prime Minister laid foundation stones for projects worth approximately Rs 7,200 crore in Jharkhand, recognizing the state’s achievements, including 100% electrified rail routes. In the broader context, Modi acknowledged the establishment of more than 300 universities and 5,500 new colleges in the country over the last nine years.
