Protection of nature is a core value that the tribal communities have passed down: Kinjarapu 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 15, 2024

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Friday said the protection of nature is a core value that the tribal communities have passed down, and it offers a valuable lesson for all of humanity.

Addressing at a function to mark the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas organised by the State Rural Employment Society and the C&RD Department at the State Convention Center in Shillong, Kinjarapu expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the fourth edition of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in Meghalaya.

“This day is a tribute to the heroic legacy of Birsa Munda, a legendary tribal freedom fighter, whose sacrifices continue to inspire the fight for justice, equality, and the protection of tribal cultures and identities,” he said.

The Union Minister paid tribute to the resilience and bravery of tribal communities who, through their sacrifices, have shaped the nation’s path to independence and contributed to the preservation of nature and culture.

“In Shillong, among the three major tribal communities—the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia—I’m proud to witness the preservation and promotion of tribal culture. I recently visited the East Khasi Heritage Village and was deeply moved by the commitment to safeguarding sacred forests and the environment, a practice that transcends generations,” said the Union Minister, reflecting on his recent experiences in the state.

The Minister also acknowledged the significant progress made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, particularly in the development of infrastructure, education, and healthcare for tribal communities. 

He highlighted that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has allocated Rs 70,000 crore annually in scholarships for 30 lakh tribal students, built 1.5 crore toilets for 58 lakh tribal households under the Swachh Bharat Mission, and extended benefits to 1.2 crore tribal farmers under the PM Kisan Yojana. He further noted that the funding for tribal welfare has increased from Rs 24,600 crore in 2014 to Rs 1.23 lakh crore in 2024, marking a nearly fivefold rise.

Additionally, the Union Minister pointed out that over 4.6 crore tribal individuals have been screened for sickle cell anemia, a deadly disease affecting many tribal populations. Museums have been established to honour tribal leaders, cultures and identity, and Rs 24, 000 crore has been given for support of 45 lakh PVTGs beneficiaries under the PM Jan Man Yojana.

He also mentioned that the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which provide quality education for tribal children, has risen from 123 number in 2014 to 476 schools across the country, benefiting tens of thousands of tribal students.

“The government has also supported tribal farmers and entrepreneurs, with the number of forest produce items receiving Minimum Support Price (MSP) rising from 12 to 87, providing new economic opportunities for tribal communities,” the Minister added.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister expressed his pride in being part of the celebrations in Meghalaya, a state with a rich tribal heritage. “This visit has been a profound learning experience for me. I will carry back with me the valuable insights and lessons I have gained here to serve my own people better,” he remarked.

In the context of his role as the Minister for Civil Aviation, the Union Minister highlighted the critical importance of improving connectivity in the Northeast, particularly in Meghalaya. He reassured the audience that the central government is committed to expanding air travel options in the region.

He outlined the government’s efforts to upgrade the Shillong airport to accommodate larger flights, with a vision of connecting Shillong directly to Delhi. He also expressed his support for Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s dream of improving connectivity to Tura and other remote areas of the state, including the introduction of seaplanes to enhance transportation access.

“We recognize the challenges posed by the region’s terrain, and we are committed to bringing Meghalaya to the forefront of the civil aviation sector. The expansion of airports and better connectivity will unlock new economic opportunities for the people of Meghalaya,” said the Union Minister.

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi marked the commencement of 150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects worth around Rs 6,640 crore in Jamui, Bihar today.

The programme at Jamui was live streamed across the country including Shillong where participants from different districts of Meghalaya participated.