Current Period Marks Unprecedented Phase for Tribal Development : Governor Shri Patel

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel stated that the present time marks an unprecedented phase for the development of tribal communities. He said that the government’s priority is the holistic development, health security, and economic empowerment of tribal society. The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) and the Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, implemented by the Central Government, are playing an important role in the holistic development and empowerment of tribal communities.

Governor Shri Patel was addressing a gathering on Wednesday during a milch animal distribution and health camp held at Kanharikala in Bichhiya block of Mandla district.

Governor Shri Patel advised beneficiaries to first use milk for children’s nutrition and then sell the surplus to increase household income. He emphasised that animals should be cared for like children, ensuring timely feed, water, and treatment in case of illness. He informed that a large-scale sickle cell screening campaign is being conducted across the state, under which 1 crore 28 lakh people have already been screened. The Governor described the genetic card as an effective method for preventing the disease and advised matching the cards before marriage. He also mentioned that newborns can be screened during pregnancy or within 72 hours after birth. Encouraging people to undergo testing, he said these efforts would help secure the health and future of both present and future generations. He urged social workers to visit tribal areas and spread awareness about the symptoms of the disease and the importance of testing.

Governor Shri Patel appreciated the Baiga tribal dance performance presented during the programme and said that preserving and promoting the invaluable heritage of tribal culture is everyone’s responsibility. During his visit, he also inspected the Anganwadi centre, health camp, livestock fair and exhibition and performed Gau-Poojan, offering garlands and feeding jaggery and bananas.

During discussions with officials, Governor Shri Patel emphasised the need for integrated development in the areas of health, nutrition, education and environment. He said that Anganwadis are the first learning centres where the foundation for a child’s overall development is laid. Emphasising the importance of plantation for a greener future, he encouraged the use of household wastewater for irrigating the nutrition garden of Anganwadi centres, thereby promoting water conservation and environmental awareness among children.

The Governor’s visit to the Anganwadi centre was marked by warmth, traditional values and a celebratory atmosphere. On the occasion of his visit, a young girl, Priya Bhartiya, along with Minister of State Shri Lakhan Patel, celebrated her birthday by cutting a cake. The Governor also planted an Ashoka sapling in the premises.

Public Health Engineering Minister Smt. Sampatiya Uikey said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the benefits of welfare schemes are reaching tribal communities directly. She stated that initiatives such as ‘Lakhpati Didi’ are helping women become self-reliant. She encouraged farmers to adopt animal husbandry to enhance their income and expressed gratitude to Governor Shri Patel for ensuring the effective implementation of government schemes on the ground. She said that earlier, people in tribal areas were unaware of sickle cell disease, but regular health camps have now increased awareness. She appealed to people to get themselves tested at health camps.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Shri Lakhan Patel, said that the programme represents a milestone in the development of tribal communities and symbolises a new beginning. He appreciated the efforts of Governor Shri Patel for tribal welfare and said that the government is working to strengthen the economic condition of Baiga families by promoting animal husbandry as a source of livelihood. He urged livestock owners to pay special attention to animal health, vaccination and insurance.Governor Distributes Benefits to Beneficiaries

During the event, representatives of the Baiga community welcomed Governor Shri Patel with traditional honours. The Governor distributed milch animals under the Mukhyamantri Dudharu Pashu Praday Yojana to 94 beneficiaries of the Baiga tribe, including 50 from Mandla district, 24 from Dindori district and 20 from Balaghat district.

Benefits under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme, TB Food Basket, HVP certificates and forest produce dividend were also distributed to beneficiaries during the event.