U.P. committed to empowerment, inclusion of tribal communities: Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday, November 13, 2025, said his government is committed to ensuring social inclusion, education and welfare of tribal communities in the state, while preserving their cultural identity and honoring their contribution to the nation.

Speaking at the ‘Janajatiya Bhagidari Utsav’ held in Lucknow as part of the ongoing Janajatiya Gaurav Pakhwada (Fortnight of Tribal Dignity), the Prime Minister said that the event celebrates the legacy of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda and marks his 150th birth anniversary.

Mr. Adityanath said the two weeks observed across the country from November 1 to 15 are aimed at providing a platform where tribal communities can take pride in their traditions, culture and heritage while integrating with mainstream development.

“This year is a historic year for India, marking 150 years of the birth of two great sons of the soil, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who laid the foundation of India’s unity and self-respect,” he said.

“Birsa Munda inspired generations to fight for self-government by sacrificing his life for his nation with the slogan ‘Apna Desh, Apna Raj’ (Our country, our rule) when he was just 25 years old.” he said.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives for the welfare of tribal communities, Mr. Adityanath said his administration is working in mission mode to ensure that all recognized tribes in the state, such as Tharu, Musahar, Sahariya, Kol and Gaur, get full benefits of government schemes.

“The twin-engine government is committed to restoring the pride of the tribal community, preserving their heritage and improving their living conditions,” he said.

He said the government’s efforts have led to a significant increase in education and participation among tribal youth.

“Earlier, reserved posts remained vacant in government recruitment drives, but in the recent recruitment of 7,244 police officers, all reserved posts for Scheduled Tribes were filled,” the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Adityanath added that more than 1.5 lakh tribal students have benefited from scholarships and fee reimbursement schemes.

“We have nine Ashram Paddhati schools operating in districts like Lakhimpur Kheri, Balrampur, Bahraich, Maharajganj, Shravasti and Bijnor, providing education to more than 2,000 tribal students. Along with Eklavya Model Schools, free hostels are also being developed in many districts,” he said.

He informed that more than 23 thousand forest-living tribal families in 13 districts were granted land rights by recording their demands in official records.

Mr. Adityanath said such initiatives reflect the government’s determination to ensure that the development of the state reaches even the most remote tribal communities.

“Through these measures, we aim to empower our tribal brothers and sisters, connect them to welfare schemes like electricity, drinking water, pension, ration card, healthcare and Ayushman Bharat,” he added.

Praising the cultural aspect of the event, the chief minister said artists and representatives from 22 states came together in Lucknow to showcase the diversity of tribal traditions through performances, exhibitions and cuisine.

“This is not just a cultural exchange but also a celebration of India’s unity in diversity,” he said.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, Social Welfare Minister Aseem Arun, UP Tribal Commission chairman Baijnath Rawat and others also attended the event.

Mr Arun said the event was part of a larger series dedicated to encouraging tribal involvement and participation.

“This year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Although he lived for only 25 years, his contribution to the nation was so great that it is incomparable even after 250 years,” Mr. Arun said.

“His role was important not only in India’s freedom struggle but also in shaping the moral and courageous character of an Indian.”

He added that Birsa Munda led a major rebellion known as ‘Ulgulan’, which was one of the first independence movements.

“We read about this great uprising and are inspired. Although he lived only 25 years, his ideals continue to guide us even today,” the minister said. he said.

Mr. Arun stated that many people in Uttar Pradesh and Lucknow might not have known much about Bhagwan Birsa Munda before.

“But in 2021, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to celebrate Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary on November 15 as ‘Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas’ (Tribal Pride Day), awareness and admiration for him increased across the country. Today, Bhagwan Birsa Munda is revered with the same devotion in Uttar Pradesh and across India as in Jharkhand.” he said.

The minister also said that the state government and the Ministry of Social Welfare are constantly working for the development of tribal communities, especially the youth and students, by connecting them with various government programs and enabling them to benefit from them.

It was published – 13 November 2025 13:51 IST