Guwahati: Union tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda, while on a two-day visit to Assam with an aim to review implementation of tribal
development programs in the State commented that Van Dhan can be a game changer for promoting tribal livelihoods and enterprises in Assam
as Eklavya Vidyalayas will impart uniform and high-quality education to the tribal children. Munda commented that his ministry is trying to add value to the
existing traditional system and lifestyle of the tribal people. Moreover, the ministry is working to ensure that the tribal children
receive quality education and participate in various national level competitive examinations. After meeting with State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sharma on
Sunday, Munda stated that the key points of discussions included various ways to promote artifacts and artisans of the tribal areas
ensuring quality education to their children with Eklavya model schools and overall implementation of the schemes in these areas.
“There should be a development program through which the entire north-eastern region can progress. It has to be in a way that the
region can be presented as a development model. Northeast’s gateway Assam has to play an important role. We have discussed regarding the
tribal areas and the program that have been carried out there,” said Munda appreciating CM Sarma’s efforts to lead Assam on the path of
developments. “Assam is moving forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I am happy that Assam is developing under the
leadership of HB Sarma,” stated the Union minister adding that the State and Centre have been working in close coordination to achieve
the target and promote the tribal artisans on the national as well as international level. It may be mentioned that Assam has a substantial tribal population of
3,308,570 forest dwellers who constitute 12.4% of its total population. The State has utilized various relevant schemes directly
benefiting 37,786 forest tribal gatherers. Sarma in August had preliminary discussions with concerned officials in New Delhi to chalk
out plans for expanding the tribal development programs in the State. Munda is meeting with Assam Governor professor Jagdish Mukhi on Monday
and also grace a Van Dhan workshop being conducted by IIE, where the Union minister will interact with the beneficiaries of the scheme.
Such a review, monitoring and implementation of different programs at ground level is being planned for all States so that the impact in
generating income for the tribal people and their empowerment can be
hastened.
Union minister Arjun Munda reviews implementation of tribal development programs in Assam
