According to the minister, the government has made a number of efforts to help the indigenous community.
Union Minister for Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan stated that education in tribal languages and mother tongues will empower tribal populations.
Speaking to the media on Tribal Empowerment, the minister stated that the government has made several steps to help the tribal community. He said, “This news conference is consistent with the whole-of-government strategy, which promotes joint action on national issues.”
Pradhan continued by stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is finally honouring the country’s tribal population. “A massive rise in the funding of officially funded programmes targeted at the welfare of indigenous populations. The primary focus areas of government policy are an affirmative action and fostering inclusion for the overall development of tribals,” he said.
He stated that the allocation for STC funding has been enhanced from Rs. 19,437 cr. in 2014-15 to Rs. 87,585 cr. in 2022-23, as has the budget for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs from Rs. 3832 cr. in 2014-15 to Rs. 8407 cr. in 2022-23.
The minister continued by stating, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayaas’ is not only a slogan for the government, but a guiding principle and a responsible commitment. This reflects the Prime Minister’s dedication to the upliftment of tribal populations by addressing issues like cultural preservation, identity preservation, education, health, and self-employment.”
“Education in local languages and mother tongues is one of the primary focal areas of the National Education Policy 2020, with indigenous populations benefiting significantly. Over 1 lakh pupils are enrolled in the Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal community,” said the minister.
He added, “Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAAGY)’, which aims to turn villages with a major tribal population into model villages (Adarsh Gram), is expected to reach 36,428 villages with at least 50% tribal population. The goal of this project is to attain saturation of basic amenities and facilities in these communities in a mission manner. Over the following five years, 7500 settlements will be taken up.”
