Bhubaneswar: Stating that his government believes in work and inclusive growth, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday said development and welfare of tribal population is main agenda of the BJD government.
Addressing a gathering of tribals on the occasion of World Indigenous Peoples Day organised by ruling BJD’s tribal front here, Naveen said, “The BJD is working to bring the tribals to the mainstream. We believe in work and inclusive growth. Development of tribal areas is our main aim.”
Citing example of the recently dedicated Gurupriya bridge in Malkangiri district, Naveen said, the bridge has became a path of development for the people of Swabhiman areas (earlier known as cut-off area).
The CM said his government is laying utmost stress on education of the tribal children.
“It’s a matter of pleasure that our efforts have turned out successful. The tribal children have today established themselves in various fields and walks of life,” he added.
Highlighting various schemes undertaken by the state government, SC, ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi said special schools have been opened for SCs/STs, where 5.5 lakh students are studying. The government is spending about Rs 1,000 crore towards students’ stipend, he said.
BJD tribal front’s president Sudam Marndi said, the state government has formed special development councils in nine tribal dominated districts for development of tribal people and their art & culture. The districts are—Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur.
Welfare of tribals our main agenda: Naveen
