Gujarat CM Vijaybhai Rupani celebrated ‘International Tribal Day’ at 28 places in 14 tribal districts
To mark the state-wide celebration of ‘The International Tribal Day’ on August 9, today, Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani gifted 10 schools, hostel, and sports complex, in total worth of Rs. 136.40 crore, to the Vanbandhu of Gujarat.
The World Tribal Day, popularly known as The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, is observed on 9th August each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population.
The celebration was done as ‘Vikas Parv’ (Festival of Development) at 28 places covering tribal population spread on a strip between religious town of Ambaji and Umargam in 14 districts of Gujarat.
On the occasion, through a video conference the Chief Minister made e-launching of model schools, girls hostels, Eklavya Residential School Complex and Sports Complex at total cost of Rs. 71-Cr at Danta in Banaskantha, Khedbrahma in Sabarkantha, Shamlaji in Aravalli, Dediyapada in Narmada and Ghoghamba in Panchmahal district. These facilities would be benefitting to approximately 2,700 tribal students.
Beside these, Mr. Rupani also performed e-bhoomipoojan of Schools, Residential School Complex to be built at a total cost of Rs. 65-Cr at Bodeli and Naswadi in Chhota Udaipur. These would avail education to 1860 tribal students at their doorstep.
Recounting the contributions made by the tribal community in the Indian culture and traditions, the Chief Minister remembered the help offered to Lord Rama by the King Nishad, by Vegda Bheel in protecting the Somnath Temple and others. He also recalled that for the first time the government of former Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had setup a separate tribal development ministry and initiation of Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojna by the current Prime Minister Mr. Narendrabhai Modi, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
He further stated that continuing this tradition of tribal development; a new path has been paved with spending of Rs. 100,956-Cr in Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojna. Not only this, the state government has started medical and engineering colleges on PPP model in the tribal areas so the tribal students can pursue higher studies in medical and engineering to serve their society. The state government has announced an assistance of Rs. 35,000 for the tribal for building a house in their native place.
The event was graced by BJP state president Mr. C. R. Patil, Mr. Ganpatsinh Vasava – Tribal Welfare Minister, Minister of State Mr. Ramanbhai Patkar, MPs, MLAs, Mr. Dilip Rana, Tribal Development Commissioner, and others.