Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a massive package of development projects worth over βΉ9,700 crore in Dediapada town of the tribal-dominated Narmada district in Gujarat. The launch, held during the special Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme, underscores the government’s renewed commitment to accelerating infrastructure, health, and education initiatives across India’s tribal belt. The projects are specifically designed to benefit thousands of families under schemes like PM-JANMAN and to significantly boost connectivity in the region.
Key Projects: Eklavya Schools, Housing, and Connectivity Boost
The βΉ9,700 crore investment is strategically divided to cover multiple facets of development, with a particular focus on empowering tribal communities. Among the most significant announcements:
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Foundation stone laid for new Eklavya Model Residential Schools worth over βΉ4,220 crore, dedicated to providing quality education to tribal students.
- Housing and Welfare: Participation in the Grih Pravesh (house-warming ceremony) for one lakh permanent houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JAGUA).
- Road Connectivity: Foundation stone for the construction of over 700 km of new roads in tribal regions to improve market access and mobility.
- Public Transport: Flagging off 250 new buses for 14 tribal districts of Gujarat, directly addressing connectivity challenges in remote areas.
A Tribute to Tribal Pride on Birsa Mundaβs Anniversary
The monumental launch in Dediapada coincides with the 150th Birth Anniversary celebration of revered tribal freedom fighter Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi paid homage to the sacrifices of tribal leaders and reiterated that tribal pride has always been central to the nation’s civilizational ethos. The event, held on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, emphasized the holistic approach to tribal welfare, which includes:
- The launch of the Shri Govind Guru Chair for Tribal Language Promotion to preserve and study tribal dialects.
- New Centres of Competence for skill development and research institutes dedicated to preserving tribal culture.
Conclusion
Commitment to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas
The launch of development projects worth βΉ9,700 crore in Dediapada is a powerful demonstration of the government’s resolve to achieve inclusive growth. This comprehensive approach, linking infrastructure, health, education, and heritage, aims to ensure that no community is left behind in the journey of national progress, fulfilling the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Together, for everyone’s growth)