Development of Janjatis is the key to country’s growth: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

Tripura along with rest of the parts of the country on Tuesday observed the 2nd Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to mark the birth anniversary of Shaheed tribal leader Bhagawan Birsa Munda who fought against the British rule in India.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Cabinet Minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonwal has inaugurated the main programme at Ambassa in Dhalai Tripura district and said that development of the Janjatis is the key to the growth of India.

Sonowal on Tuesday announced four different projects for the welfare of the Janjatis of the state which includes – World Bank funded Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project, Puno Baniya – Credit Linked Based Income Generating Goatery Scheme, Wak Bania Credit Linked Based Income Generating Piggery Scheme and - Supplementary Education for Elementary Classes.

“Contribution of Janjatis in India’s independence was not recognized during the last 75 years,” he said, adding that it is under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Janjatis and their contribution for the country’s growth are being recognized with the observance of the days like Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas which perhaps mark the birth anniversary of Bhagawan Birsa Munda.

He said, “It is our responsibility and duty to honor Birsa Munda and remember his sacrifice and his role in the freedom struggle. Birsa Munda sacrificed himself for the development of the people, for the development of the society, for the development of their social consciousness.” He further said that the Prime Minister and his government are continuously working to ensure the progress of people in education, agriculture and other fields to strengthen India.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Professor (Dr) Manik Saha addressed the gathering of Janjatis on the occasion on Tuesday and said that the government is committed to ensure development of the people, their culture and tradition. He said that the birth anniversary celebration of the heroic freedom fighter Birsa Munda is truly a matter of pride.

“Birsa Munda not only played a role in the freedom struggle, but also worked continuously to increase social awareness for the social development of the people,” the Chief Minister said that the state government has banned the use of the word 'tribe' to honor the Janjatis, and the name of the department has been changed to Janjati Kalyan Department.

He underlined the works for the development of Janjatis in Tripura and said that the Agartala Airport was named after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. “A proposal has been sent to the central government to increase the number of seats in Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council to 50. As a result, the people of 19 ethnic groups living in the state will get an opportunity to their tribes,” he said.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the rehabilitation work for the Brus in Tripura is progressing rapidly with the grant of Rs. 600 crore from the central government to solve their long-standing problem.

Padma Shri awardees Thanga Darlong and Satyaram Reang were felicitated on the occasion. Padma Shri awardee late Benichandra Jamatia and the people belonging to the Janjati community who played important role in the country's freedom struggle against the British were also felicitated on the occasion.

Food Minister Manoj Kanti Deb, Tribal Welfare Minister Rampada Jamatia, MP Rebati Tripura, MLA Parimal Debbarma, MLA Shambhulal Chakma, Chairman of India Tourism Development Corporation Smabit Patra among others were present in the event.