Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha today said that the present state government is working with special emphasis on the socio-economic development of the Janajati people.

He also said that priority has been given to improving the quality of education for Janajati children. Following the path of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is working for the development of the Janajati community.

Dr. Saha said this at a felicitation ceremony organized by the Maharani Tulsibati Welfare Trust to honor distinguished personalities from various Janajati communities on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Saha said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized making every aspirational village a model village.

“The current state government is also working in that direction. Various initiatives are being implemented for the welfare of the Janajati people under the Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana. Through this project, special attention has been given to the socio-economic development of the Janajati people through education, health services, and infrastructure development. In addition, financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 has been provided under the Chief Minister Janajati Vikas Yojana,” he said.

Dr. Saha added that more than Rs. 23 crore has been spent for this purpose, and about 9,326 beneficiaries have received this assistance.

“The government is also arranging one-time financial assistance for Janajati children who wish to go abroad for higher education. Initiatives have been taken to appoint 170 hostel wardens in Janajati hostels. An amount of Rs. 19 crore is being allocated for installing solar power systems in about 50 hostels across the state. Arrangements have also been made to provide financial assistance to jute farmers. Apart from this, efforts are being made to ensure the welfare of Janajatis in various ways through the External Aided Fund,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that earlier there were only a handful of Janajati officers in TCS, IAS, TPS, and TFS cadres in various departments of the state government. “Now, Janajatis have made tremendous progress in every field,” he said.

Dr. Saha also stated that the government has taken various steps to combat drug abuse in the state.

“A discussion was also held in the Assembly with MLAs on this issue so that awareness can be further increased in all parts of the state. Along with combating drugs, we have to be more vigilant and aware about HIV/AIDS. People need to be made more aware of this issue. For this, officers should also work responsibly. They should be made aware of the ill effects and dangers of drugs,” he said.

He further mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special priority to the overall welfare of the Janajatis.

“Our state government is also working in that direction for their development. This time, I am going to Delhi to demand more national highways for the state,” he added.

Janajati Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharya, District Magistrate of West District Vishal Kumar, Bipin Debbarma of the Maharani Tulsibati Welfare Trust, and other prominent personalities were present as distinguished guests on the occasion.