Tribals, once deprived, reaching pinnacle of development with help of govt schemes: Modi

“Dalits, backward classes and tribals, who were once deprived, are today reaching the pinnacle of development with the help of various government schemes. I got the opportunity to pay tribute to the glory of tribals after so many decades of Independence, as the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda is now celebrated as a tribal pride day,” he said.

The PM maintained that the BJP government has increased the budget for tribals five times since it came to power in Gujarat.

Speaking about the education sector, Modi said, “Mission School of Excellence and Vidya Samiksha Kendra 2.0 will have a positive impact on school education. I met the World Bank chairman a few days ago after he visited Vidya Samiksha Kendra. He requested me to establish such centres in every district and the World Bank is ready to support this project.”

“When I assumed the post of chief minister in Gujarat, there was no school that taught science in the tribal belt. The government has completely changed the situation. In the last two decades, 2 lakh teachers have been recruited and over 1.25 lakh classrooms constructed. An emerging network of science, commerce and arts institutions has emerged in tribal areas…,” he added.

Stressing the importance of mother tongue in the National Education Policy 2020, Modi said that imparting education in mother tongue will create new opportunities for tribal students and empower them. “The world has changed, skills are equally important,” he added.

On collateral free loans being provided to first-time entrepreneurs under the Mudra scheme, Modi said, “Under Mudra yojana, you get loans from banks without guarantee. Whose guarantee, it is of Modi.” He added that Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana also provides low interest loans to people like barbers, tailors, washermen, potters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, carpenters, cobblers and masons. “No guarantee is required for loans under this scheme, only one guarantee is required, (which is) Modi,” said the PM.

Talking about the availability of schools, roads, housing and water, Modi said that these are basic needs to lead a dignified life. “More than four crore houses have been constructed for the poor. For us, home for the poor is not just a number but an enabler of dignity,” he added.

Recalling his long association with the area, Modi said that as a karyakarta of the RSS, he would visit these tribal villages on foot, by bus and even on a bicycle.