- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated every year on November 15th to honor these communities, especially their role in India’s freedom struggle, and this year marks 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
- This day marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tribal leader and freedom fighter whose legacy continues to inspire.
- It has been celebrated Since 2021, to acknowledge the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters, including movements led by the Santhals, Bhils, Mizos, and others.
- These revolts, such as the Ulgulan (Revolution) led by Birsa Munda, were pivotal in challenging British rule and inspiring national awareness.
- To ensure these unsung heroes are remembered, the Indian government declared November 15th as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2021, celebrating tribal communities’ rich history and their contribution to India’s freedom and progress.
- The government’s initiatives aim to uplift tribal communities by improving education, healthcare, and socio-economic opportunities.
Key Development Projects
- Housing: Inauguration of 11,000 houses for tribal communities under PM-JANMAN.
- Healthcare: Launch of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) to improve healthcare access in tribal areas.
- Education: Inauguration of 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras and 10 new Eklavya Model Schools for tribal students.
- Cultural Preservation: Establishment of Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums in Chhindwara and Jabalpur, MP.
- Infrastructure: Foundation for 500 km of new roads and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres.
Government Schemes for Tribal Welfare
The government has launched several initiatives for the welfare of tribal communities:
- Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: A program with a ₹79,156 crore budget to improve social infrastructure and development across 63,843 tribal villages.
- PM-JANMAN: Focuses on uplifting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through Aadhar enrolment, financial support, and healthcare.
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Provides quality education to tribal children in remote areas, with 728 schools planned to cater to over 1.29 lakh students.
Government Support for Education and Economic Empowerment
- Scholarships: The government offers Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for tribal students, as well as opportunities for higher studies through the National Overseas Scholarship.
- Income Generation: Programs like Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojna provide loans to tribal women for entrepreneurship and economic independence.
- Health Initiatives: Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and the Mission Indradhanush focus on improving health outcomes, especially in tribal areas.
Honoring Tribal Heroes
- The government has sanctioned the creation of 10 Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums across states to honor tribal resistance during British rule.
- Notably, Mangarh Dham in Rajasthan will be developed as a national memorial for tribal martyrs.
- Sarai Kale Khan ISBT Chowk in Delhi renamed after Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary.