By Lakshmi Rajwade, Minister for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of Chhattisgarh
Raipur, November 2026 : The contribution of tribal communities to India's freedom struggle and the preservation of its culture and heritage is unforgettable. Tribal Pride Day, celebrated on the 151st birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who raised the banner of 'Ulgulan' against injustice and exploitation, reminds us of the courage, self-respect and sacrifices of our great heroes. The struggles of national icons such as Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Veer Gundadhur, Shaheed Gend Singh, Rani Durgavati and Thakur Ramprasad Potai form an integral part of our shared heritage. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the contributions and pride of tribal communities have received national recognition. Since November 15 was declared Tribal Pride Day in 2021, development in tribal regions has gained fresh momentum. In Chhattisgarh, under the sensitive leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the commitment to 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas' is reaching even the remote forest regions. Ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the last person in society remains our priority.
Empowering Tribal Communities Through Women's Self-Reliance
The role of mothers and sisters is extremely important in strengthening tribal communities. Through the Women and Child Development Department, we are prioritising their dignity, safety, nutrition and economic self-reliance.
The Mahtari Vandan Yojana is directly benefiting 20,28,803 tribal women across the state. This financial assistance empowers them to make independent decisions regarding family nutrition, children's education and everyday needs. The scheme is playing an important role in strengthening the economic participation and confidence of tribal women.
To reduce the financial burden of marriage on daughters from poor and disadvantaged families, 2,072 marriages have been solemnised so far during the financial year 2026-27 under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana. Around 580 of the beneficiaries belong to the Scheduled Tribe category. Along with supporting families, this initiative reflects our commitment to the dignity and secure future of daughters.
Special attention is also being given to the nutrition and early care of mothers and children. Under the PM-JANMAN initiative, 191 Anganwadi centres have been sanctioned in habitations of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), and all these centres are operational. Through these centres, children in remote forest areas are receiving nutrition and early education, while pregnant women are being provided essential services.
Development Reaching Remote Forest Regions
Through the Prime Minister's initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), basic facilities are being expanded in villages and habitations of Chhattisgarh's five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups — Baiga, Pahadi Korwa, Kamar, Abujhmaria and Birhor.
Under this campaign, comprehensive development is being undertaken in 1,545 villages and 2,365 habitations.
So far, 24,218 pucca houses have been completed and 1,833 kilometres of roads have been constructed. On-grid electricity connections have been provided to 7,349 households. In addition, 57 mobile medical units and 16 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are operational. These initiatives are improving access to healthcare in remote areas and strengthening local livelihood opportunities.
In a similar effort, 6,691 tribal-majority villages across 32 districts of Chhattisgarh have been included under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
Under this campaign, 1,413 development projects have been approved at a cost of ₹733.258 crore. These include hostels and ashram facilities, five Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs), and the establishment of a Centre of Competence for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia at AIIMS Raipur.
The objective of these initiatives is to bring education, healthcare and livelihood facilities closer to tribal communities.
Increased Budget Allocation and Recognition of Forest Rights
The state government's commitment to tribal welfare is also reflected in the increased budget allocation. The budget for the Tribal Sub-Plan, which stood at ₹21,492.34 crore in 2023-24, has been increased to ₹42,165.95 crore in 2026-27. This represents an increase of approximately 96 per cent.
Traditional community rights have also received protection through the recognition of forest rights. In Chhattisgarh, more than 4.88 lakh individual forest rights titles and over 46,000 community forest rights titles have been distributed.
These rights strengthen the traditional relationship of tribal communities with water, forests and land, while supporting their livelihoods.
Tribal Pride Day is not merely an occasion to remember the glory of the past; it is also a commitment to honour that heritage while building a better future. Our priority is to preserve tribal culture, traditions and values rooted in nature while ensuring that opportunities in education, healthcare, employment and development reach every village.
Let us draw inspiration from Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and all the great heroes of tribal communities and contribute to building a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh.
Jai Johar! Jai Chhattisgarh!
