The intention of democracy is the welfare of the common people and the sections at the last position. See the irony, all the governments showed dreams of development in independent India, democracy was established in our country, but public welfare issues related to social concerns like education, health, food, social justice, roads were included in the government's priorities in the year 2014. . Growth has always meant positive change and this change is visible now. 26th May 2014 became the historic day of the future of the country. When the leadership of the country was transferred to a great leader who was from the ground, whose relentless and innumerable efforts and works for the betterment of Mother India in every breath had immense commitment towards the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the dream of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" come true by tying the entire country in one thread.
The population of tribal society in the country is 9 percent of the total population i.e. about 11 crores. Tribal societies are spread in large numbers in India from Kashmir to the Northeast, especially in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Unfortunately, for a long time after independence, Congress used them only as vote banks. History is witness that the contribution and sacrifice of this society in the freedom movement is unforgettable. But the post-independence governments for a long time did not make proper efforts to integrate the tribal society with the mainstream of development and political representation including their social and economic upliftment. From ancient times, tribal society has been treated as backward society and second class citizens. Despite the important contribution of tribal society in strengthening the culture of India, the country was kept in the dark. For decades the culture and capabilities of this society were overlooked. No importance was given to their issues, health and education. By not giving due importance, priority to the tribal society, the previous government has committed a political crime. In the name of elections, votes were sought in the name of deprivation, enjoyed the pleasures of power for decades but the tribal society was left helpless. After the coming of the Modi government in 2014, like all the communities, the hopes of the people of tribal society also started to shake, their dreams also got wings. In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas as expected, the Government of India has given priority to the development of tribes and the preservation of their heritage and culture. In the true sense, the tribal society is getting proper participation and share in the development of the country in the Modi government. Whether it is houses of the poor, toilets, free electricity,gas connections, free treatment, roads or schools, the speed with which all these things are being given to different parts of the country,the tribal communities are provided with the same benefits. Today the Modi government is working day and night for the self-respect of the tribal society.
It is well known that when the NDA government was formed for the first time under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a serious effort was made to understand the hopes and aspirations of this society. A separate ministry was formed by Atal ji in 1999 for the upliftment of tribal society and their development and prosperity. Apart from this, in 2003, the Atal ji's government took the initiative to ensure their interests by establishing the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes by the 89th Constitutional Amendment. The work started by Atal ji for the upliftment and respect of the tribal society has been carried forward more strongly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji in the last 8 years. This seed sown for the betterment of this society during the tenure of Atal ji has turned into a tree today. For the first time in the history of India eight ministers from tribal communities have been included in the cabinet of the Modi government and five as ministers of state . The Prime Minister himself has called for records regarding the contribution of tribals for the independence of the country and their memorials are being built. The Congress consistently neglected the Northeast region which is with a large tribal population, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the development of the Northeast under the Act East policy as soon as he came to power. In the last 8 years, connecting the northeastern states with the mainstream of development of the country, making them partners of national progress.
In a country where the tribal society has been neglected in such a way that the country which became independent in 1947 got the first tribal cabinet minister in 1994 as P.A. Sangma, a person from the tribal society who reached the highest office of the country,no one has ever imagined of that to happen. BJP has always been determined for the progress of tribal society and today under the leadership of Narendra Modi ji India got its first tribal president as Draupadi murmu. Draupadi Murmu's election as the President is a historic occasion for Indian democracy. This is the first time after the independence of the country that a person from the tribal community has reached the highest office of the country. Draupadi Murmu ji, comes from the last position of the society and has reached the highest constitutional post of the country today. It is certainly a matter of great pride not only for the tribal society but also for the entire country. It is also an excellent example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve for tribal empowerment. BJP has proved that it is the biggest beneficiary of tribal society and the Modi government works for the deprived sections.
The name of bhagwan Birsa does not require any identification. When about 300 major tribes settled in different provinces of India remember the glory story of their sons, a name that emerges is Birsa Munda, who is not only respected with immense reverence by the tribal society but also by the whole country. How happy and proud it is for the tribal community that when the whole country celebrates Gandhi Jayanti, Sardar Patel's birth anniversary every year, in the same way, the birth anniversary of bhagwan Birsa Munda on 15th November is also celebrated every year in the country as "Tribal Pride Day". This is not an ordinary achievement but a unique gift given by the Modi government to the tribal community. Tribal freedom fighter museums are being set up across the country with a budget of 200 crores. All these things show that the Modi government is engaged in every way with mind, word and deed for the development and respect of the tribal society. A few months back when Padma awards were being given, people from tribal society reached Rashtrapati Bhavan, the world was shocked to know that Tribal society has given not one but many gems.
To be continued….
The author is the leader of Jharkhand BJP Legislature Party and former Chief Minister of the State. The views expressed in the article are his own.