Jamui (Bihar): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated development projects worth ₹6,640 crore in Bihar’s Jamui, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the holistic development of tribal communities. These initiatives aim to improve infrastructure, provide training, and create employment opportunities for youth.
The event marked the commencement of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda, during which the Prime Minister also released a commemorative coin and postage stamp.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “It was the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee that established a dedicated Ministry for Tribal Welfare. Ten years ago, the budget for tribal area development was less than ₹25,000 crore. Our government has increased this fivefold to ₹1.25 lakh crore.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the launch of schemes like Dharti Aaba, Janjatiya Gram, and Utkarsh Abhiyan, which aim to transform more than 60,000 tribal villages across the country with an investment of ₹80,000 crore.
Speaking on healthcare initiatives, he said, “Sickle cell anemia has been a major challenge for tribal communities. Our government has launched a national campaign to combat this issue, screening 4.5 crore people in the past year. Additionally, several Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are being built to ensure tribal families have access to healthcare facilities.”
PM Modi further emphasized the preservation of India’s ancient tribal medical heritage and announced that the PM Janman Yojana, a ₹24,000 crore initiative for the development of the most backward tribal communities, had completed one year.
Celebrating Tribal Heritage
Highlighting the government’s commitment to tribal culture, he mentioned, “We established a grand museum in Ranchi in honor of Birsa Munda. Many tribal artists and cultural contributors have been honored with Padma Awards. The BJP is proud to have played a role in electing Droupadi Murmu as India’s first tribal President.”
Festive Atmosphere in Jamui
PM Modi paid floral tributes to the statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and joined traditional dancers, even trying his hand at playing the dhol. The Prime Minister received a warm welcome and was felicitated with an idol of Birsa Munda during the celebrations.
He concluded, “Today’s event is even more special as we begin the nationwide celebration of Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, which will continue for the next year.”
