Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the construction of a Janjatiya Sanskruti and Dharohar Bhawan (Tribal Culture and Heritage Building) near Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar, with a budget allocation of Rs 100 crore. This announcement was made during an event celebrating Bhagwan Birsa Munda Jayanti and Janajatiya Gourav Divas. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for various projects worth Rs 1,535 crore aimed at tribal development and welfare.
The Janajatiya Gourav Divas was celebrated in Bhubaneswar today with great enthusiasm. While the main event took place in Jamui, Bihar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, the ceremony at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar was attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
In his address, the Chief Minister announced a Rs 50 crore allocation for the construction of a Janajatiya Bhasha Sansthan (Tribal Language Institute) and ₹4 crore for a Janajatiya Asmita Bhavan (Tribal Identity Building) in Gothapatna. Additionally, Rs 3 crore will be invested in establishing five multi-purpose centres.
During his speech, the Chief Minister paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, recognising him as a great warrior of India’s freedom struggle. He expressed that Munda’s struggle is etched in golden letters and will always serve as an inspiration.
The Chief Minister emphasised that today is a day to honour the rich traditions of the tribal community. He acknowledged the sacrifices of eminent freedom fighters such as Hutatna Laxman Nayak, Ratna Nayak, Chakra Bisoi, Dora Bisoi, and Rendo Majhi, highlighting their significant contributions to the nation’s history and culture.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister underscored that Birsa Munda’s life and legacy represent the upliftment and protection of tribal rights. He mentioned the Prime Minister’s efforts, noting that on this auspicious day, Narendra Modi is inaugurating several welfare projects under the Dharti Aaba, Janjatiya Gram, Utkarsh Abhiyan in Jamui, Bihar. This initiative aims to address disparities in health, education, livelihood, and basic needs for the tribal community, integrating them into the mainstream. Odisha’s 27 districts and 7,667 villages are included in this scheme, with the state government actively working towards its successful implementation.
He further added that special Gram Sabhas are being organised in all these villages to effectively achieve the objectives of the scheme. This initiative marks a significant step towards the holistic development and empowerment of the tribal community.
The Chief Minister has laid the foundation stone for projects valued at ₹1,535 crore aimed at tribal development and welfare. This initiative includes upgrading 16 ashram schools to high schools, with an investment of ₹15 crore for each school, totalling Rs 240 crore. Additionally, 13 secondary schools will be transformed into higher secondary schools, requiring a total investment of ₹286 crore, at ₹22 crore per school. Furthermore, ₹852 crore will be allocated for constructing hostels for 426 primary schools.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rich traditions and heritage of tribal communities. He emphasised the holistic development of these communities through various initiatives, including empowering them by granting forest land rights.
During the event, the Chief Minister awarded Habitat Rights under the Forest Rights Act to eight Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the state. This achievement in granting habitat rights to PVTGs represents a significant national milestone for Odisha.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the government’s initiatives to reduce dropout rates among tribal students, notably through the introduction of the Madho Singh Hath Kharch Yojna (Madho Singh Pocket Money Scheme).
Union Minister for Coal, Mines, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Prahlad Joshi, who attended the programme, stated that Birsa Munda’s struggle and sacrifice against British oppression will always serve as an inspiration. He pointed out that previous governments had overlooked Birsa Munda’s legacy; however, since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, his memory has been revitalised through the recognition of his birth anniversary as Janajatiya Gourav Divas and the implementation of various welfare schemes for tribals. He also highlighted that, under the PM Janman Scheme, solar energy is being harnessed to provide electricity to tribal areas across 18 states.
Another distinguished guest, Union Minister of State for Energy and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Naik, remarked that Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s efforts to unite tribal society and promote their progress are unparalleled.
