Sri Vijaya Puram, November 15: Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma today announced that one attendant accompanying a tribal patient would also be given free helicopter travel for medical treatment, and said local skills and traditional heritage would be promoted for the upliftment of tribal communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He was speaking at a programme held in the auditorium of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Pahargaon, Sri Vijaya Puram, to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi was the chief guest at the national programme, which the Lieutenant Governor attended virtually.
The programme began with floral tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a Tribal Exhibition showcasing the art, culture, handicrafts and lifestyle of the tribal communities.
The Lieutenant Governor said efforts to connect tribal communities with the mainstream of the country’s development would be intensified, and that their enthusiastic participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign reflected their dedication to the nation.
Paying tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, he said Birsa Munda had launched a struggle against the British at the age of 15 and was a people’s leader in the true sense. He said the Government had approved Janjati Jan Dhan Kendras for people from tribal communities. Members of tribal communities in the Nicobar Islands will be provided helicopter services for medical treatment in special circumstances, with the expenses of the patient and one attendant borne entirely by the Government, he said, adding that other demands of the tribal communities were also under consideration. According to the release, the arrangement is expected to ease travel for treatment for tribal families in remote areas and ensure timely access to better healthcare.
Describing tribal communities as the greatest protectors and nurturers of nature, the Lieutenant Governor said their rights would not be allowed to be violated and that their way of life maintained a balance between water, forests and animals. Along with the preservation of their cultural heritage, their participation in the country’s development would be increased, he said, adding that the protection of their rights remained the Government’s highest priority. He said the Prime Minister had launched several schemes for these communities, and that schemes such as PM-JANMAN were meeting their basic requirements.
The Lieutenant Governor said members of tribal communities were now also getting employment in Government services and that their participation would grow in the coming years. Better arrangements were being made for their education and other facilities, he said, noting the educational achievements of children from these communities. Nicobari products such as mats have started receiving GI tags, and their traditional canoes reflect the historical aspects of their way of life, he said.
Tribal children and members of the community were felicitated for their contributions, and Ayushman Bharat Cards, providing free treatment of up to Rs. 5 lakh, were distributed to beneficiaries from tribal communities. Tribal groups presented cultural performances of their traditions, folk dances and music.
Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Mr. Jual Oram and Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis attended the programme virtually. Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Chief Secretary Mr. Gyanesh Bharti, senior officers and other dignitaries were present, according to a press release from Lok Niwas.
