Thu Nov 14 19:00:00 UTC 2024: ## India’s Development Tied to Tribal Communities: President Murmu
**New Delhi, November 15, 2024:** President Droupadi Murmu has emphasized that India can only truly achieve development when its tribal communities are empowered and uplifted. In a televised address to the nation on the eve of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas,’ President Murmu lauded the government’s commitment to prioritizing tribal development.
“Our country will become truly developed only when our tribal people also become developed,” President Murmu stated. “Fast-paced progress of the people of the tribal communities is our national priority.”
Recalling her own visit to Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s village Ulihatu in Jharkhand two years ago, President Murmu highlighted the significance of the recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the same village, marking the first time a Prime Minister had visited Ulihatu. This, she said, “made the people of the tribal society very happy.”
President Murmu also highlighted the numerous welfare schemes aimed at empowering tribal communities, noting that the budget of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for this year has seen a significant 74% increase to ₹13,000 crore.
The President’s address emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of tribal heroes like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Sidhu-Kanhu and Chand-Bhairav brothers, Tilka Manjhi, Laxman Nayak, and the brave sisters Phulo-Jhano, who fought against British injustice.
“No matter how high they aspire to fly, the society and the government are fully committed to supporting them,” President Murmu concluded, highlighting the potential for tribal communities to reach their full potential with the right support.
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