Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with tribal beneficiaries from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme on Sunday, hearing how central government schemes had improved their living conditions, expanded livelihood opportunities and supported education.
The event marked the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
During the interaction, PM Modi spoke to Vajir from Hathakundi village in Gujarat’s Bharuch district about the New Gujarat Pattern Yojana.
Vajir said he had received bamboo craft training under the scheme in 2004 and had benefited from PM-JANMAN initiatives.
PM Modi recalled that a British-era law had classified bamboo as a tree, restricting its use. He said his government had removed the restriction and restored tribal communities’ rights over bamboo.
The Prime Minister interacted with Krishna Nagorao Teka, a PM-JANMAN beneficiary from Yavatmal, Maharashtra.
Teka said his family had received a permanent house, a toilet and other facilities, easing the difficulties they previously faced during the rainy season.
PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the improvements, saying essential facilities were reaching communities while allowing them to remain connected to their cultural heritage.
Another beneficiary, Sabavat Anvesh from Hyderabad, thanked the Prime Minister for introducing PM SHRI Schools, saying the initiative was helping students pursue higher education.
During the programme, PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 246 development projects worth approximately Rs 3,000 crore, covering education, healthcare, livelihoods and community infrastructure.
The 173 inaugurated projects included 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and 100 multi-purpose centres under PM-JANMAN. He further laid foundation stones for 19 Eklavya schools, 12 Tribal Multi-purpose Marketing Centres and 42 other projects under PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA.
The programme concluded Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, observed nationwide from November 1 to 15.
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