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Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said education in the local language and mother tongue would empower the tribal population.

Addressing the media regarding tribal empowerment, the union minister said that the government had taken multiple initiatives for the upliftment of the tribal population. He added this conference is in accordance with the whole-of-the-Government approach, which stands for cooperative action toward national priorities.

Dharmendra Pradhan added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving long-due honour to the tribal population of the nation. He said the quantum leap in funding centrally sponsored schemes aimed at the welfare of the tribal people. Affirmative action and encouraging inclusion for the all-around growth of tribals are the key thrust areas of Government policy.

He informed that the budget for STC funds had been increased from Rs. 19,437 crores in 2014-2015 to Rs. 87,585 crores in 2022-2023, and the allowance for the Ministry of Tribal affairs has also increased from Rs. 3832 crores in 2014-2015 to Rs. 8407 crores in 2022-2023.

The minister said that for the Government- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayaas is not just a slogan but a guiding philosophy and a responsible duty. This slogan is thoughtful of the Prime Minister’s promise to uplift the tribal population by touching on aspects including defending their culture, respecting their identity, health, self-employment, and education.

Union minister said education in local languages and mother tongue is one of the critical focus areas of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), of which the tribal population will be a key beneficiary. The Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal people in which more than 1 lakh students are enrolled.

Referring to PMAAGY-Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna, he said that it is envisaged to cover up to 36,428 villages having at least 50% tribal population under it.

This scheme aims to achieve the saturation of basic needs and facilities in these villages in a mission mode. 7500 villages will be taken up yearly over the next five years under it.

News Source: Livemint