The Department of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes, hosted a special Tribal Pride Day celebration at Silpgram on November 15, 2024. The event has been organized to pay tribute to the legendary tribal leader Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary. Minister of Education (Higher, Secondary & Elementary), Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (non-BTC), Government of Assam, Ranoj Pegu graced the event where he highlighted the government's commitment to the welfare of indigenous communities.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA) organized a national-level event in Bihar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a stirring address, commemorating Birsa Munda's significant contributions to the tribal community. Tribal leaders and attendees from across the Northeast gathered in Guwahati to witness the occasion, with many viewing the Prime Minister’s address live. The event also featured vibrant cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of indigenous peoples.
Ranoj Pegu underscored the government’s dedication to tribal welfare, announcing substantial financial support for the community during the event. "The launch of the 'Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan,' is an ambitious initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal populations. This transformative program will cover approximately 63,000 villages, benefiting more than 5 crore tribal people, with a total financial outlay of Rs 80,000 crore," the minister said.
Additionally, Ranoj Pegu highlighted the government's investment of Rs 366 crore in Assam for the construction of 87 hostels for tribal students, a step toward improving education access for indigenous youth.
He further said, "The government is committed to honoring the sacrifices of tribal warriors like Birsa Munda, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten."