International Tribal Day: Gujarat CM inaugurates facilities worth Rs 136.40 crore 14 tribal districts

AHMEDABAD: To mark the state-wide celebration of the ‘ International Tribal Day ’ on August 9, Gujarat chief minister Vijaybhai Rupani gifted 10 schools, hostels and sports complex worth 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 towns of Ambaji and Umargam in 14 districts of Gujarat.

On the occasion, the chief minister through a video conference launched model schools, girls' hostels, Eklavya Residential School Complex and Sports Complex at a total cost of Rs 71 crore 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.

Rupani also performed e-bhoomipoojan of schools, Residential School Complex to be built at a total cost of Rs 65 crore at Bodeli and Naswadi in Chhota Udepur. These would provide education to 1,860 tribal students at their doorstep.

Recounting the contributions made by the tribal community in the Indian culture and traditions, the CM talked about the help offered to Lord Ram by King Nishad and Vegda Bheel in protecting the Somnath Temple and others. He also recalled that for the first time, the government of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had set up a separate tribal development ministry and initiation of Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojna by the current Prime Minister 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 crore 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 population to build a house in their native place, he said.