PANAJI: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram praised Goa for its leadership in tribal empowerment under the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, calling the state a frontrunner in implementing welfare initiatives for tribal communities.
“Goa is leading in tribal empowerment,” Oram said while addressing a mega outreach programme in Sanguem today. He emphasised that there is no shortage of funds, with the Centre having allocated Rs 79,000 crore over three years to improve housing, roads, healthcare, and water supply in tribal regions.
“Sometimes I have sleepless nights thinking about how to ensure full utilisation of this budget,” Oram said, encouraging state governments to make effective use of these funds. He pointed out that earlier Congress governments failed to recognise the unique challenges faced by tribal communities, and it was only after the BJP came to power in 2014 that a dedicated tribal ministry with a substantial budget was created.
The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, launched on October 2, 2024, to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda, brings together 17 central ministries to work in unison for the comprehensive development of tribal villages. Oram said that all tribal households would be covered under the PM Awas Yojana, every village would get tap water through the Nal Se Jal scheme, and a 25,000-km road network would be built to improve connectivity. He also announced the launch of mobile medical units equipped to detect diseases like cancer, which would be stationed at weekly markets to ensure accessibility.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the tribal welfare portfolio, said the BJP’s commitment to tribal development is part of its core ideology. In a veiled criticism of former minister Govind Gaude, he said, “Some say I’ve done nothing, but I share a deep emotional bond with my tribal brothers. Those with just blood ties have come and gone.”
Sawant outlined several key initiatives, including the clearing of 10,000 long-pending applications under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), with 3,500 sanads already issued and the remaining to be cleared by December 19. “Three generations have struggled for land rights. Since June 14, 3,258 claims have been resolved and 1,007 sanads issued. All agencies are working in mission mode,” he added.
The chief minister said his government had promoted tribal heritage and culture by bringing the Kunbi saree and shawl into the limelight and vowed to now highlight the traditional tribal jacket. He announced the establishment of a Rs 10 crore model Kunbi village at Sanguem, expected to be ready within the next three months.
He also pointed to structural efforts to empower tribals, such as setting up the Tribal Commission, the Tribal Development Corporation, and the Tribal Research Centre to study health issues and document cultural practices. A Tribal Museum is also in the pipeline to further preserve and showcase the community’s rich heritage.
