November 15 is Tribal Pride Day, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attacked the political parties alleging they have deprived tribal communities of education, health, and rights.

“When we discuss the tribal society’s contribution to nation-building, some people are surprised. They can’t believe that tribal inhabitants  have a big role in strengthening India’s culture. The ignorance is because the nation was either never told about it or was kept in the dark and given very limited information on it,” PM Modi said during his address in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

“ For decades, the culture and capability of the tribal communities were ignored, even though they make up about ten per cent of India’s population. Their education and health were neglected by those who ruled the country for decades after Independence,” he added.

PM Modi was addressing a gathering on the occasion of  birth anniversary of Birsa Munda at Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan in Bhopal.

“Today, India is celebrating its first ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’. For the first time after Independence, the art and culture of tribal society and its contribution towards freedom struggle and nation-building is being proudly remembered and honoured,” he said.

PM Modi has also revered Birsa Munda as ‘bhagwan’ (God). “Bhagwan Birsa Munda and countless other freedom fighters fought so that the weak would be empowered. They also spoke against social evils,” he said.

PM Modi gave assurance that the Government of India was committed to doing ‘everything’ possible to protect and celebrate the tribal culture.

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Meanwhile, the Modi-led government has claimed to have increased the budget allocation by 75 per cent in the last seven years to ensure better opportunities and development in the tribal areas.

The government also claimed that it had increased the number of minor forest produce items covered under MSP (minimum support price). Besides, the government has set a target to launch 740 Eklavya Schools by 2024. It is expected to benefit 350,000 tribal students.

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Recently, members of the tribal communities also made it to the Padma Shri Awards. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind presented awards to Tulasi Gowda from Karnataka and Rahibai Popera from Maharashtra for their exemplary work in environment and agriculture, respectively.

Also Read: I may have received Padma Shri but I will always be a small farmer: ‘Seed Mother’ Rahibai Popere tells Gaon Connection