THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, November 12: As Jharkhand celebrates the Silver Jubilee of its statehood, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reiterated its commitment to the holistic development and empowerment of tribal communities. The statement comes ahead of November 15, a date of triple significance — marking Jharkhand Foundation Day, Bhagwan Birsa Munda Jayanti, and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
‘Upholding the Vision of Jharkhand’s Founders’
State BJP President and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi said the party remains dedicated to ensuring inclusive growth, dignity, and respect for tribal communities. Addressing a press conference, Marandi noted that both the BJP organisation and successive BJP-led governments have consistently acted on this vision.
He recalled that it was under the leadership of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee that Jharkhand was carved out as a separate state in 2000 — a milestone that fulfilled the long-standing aspirations of the region’s people. The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, symbolising a commitment to honour the state’s tribal heritage.
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‘Modi Government Has Prioritised Tribal Welfare’
Marandi emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government continues to implement a wide range of programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic status of tribal populations. He highlighted schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, and Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which have benefited large sections of the tribal population.
He further pointed to the expansion of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which increased from 123 before 2014 to 715 today, providing education to more than 132,000 tribal children. The budget allocation for these schools has also grown significantly, from ₹278 crore to ₹6,390 crore.
Celebrating Jharkhand’s Heritage and Progress
Marandi noted that the Tribal Affairs Ministry, established under Vajpayee’s government, and the inclusion of the Santhali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, were landmark steps in recognising tribal identity and culture.
He also highlighted the transformation of the site where Birsa Munda breathed his last into a grand museum and the renaming of an island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after martyr Albert Ekka, as symbols of respect for tribal heroes.
Further acknowledging progress, he said that the election of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal leader, as the President of India reflects the growing empowerment of the community at the national level.
Events Across Jharkhand for National Tribal Pride Day
To commemorate Jharkhand’s Silver Jubilee and Rashtriya Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the BJP will organise a series of state-wide events on November 14-15. These will include rallies, seminars, processions, and self-respect conferences, alongside the cleaning of statues of Birsa Munda and other tribal icons. A major tribal rally in Khunti, the birthplace of Birsa Munda, is expected to draw large participation.
State BJP Vice President Vikas Pritam, National ST Morcha President and former MP Sameer Oraon, State Tribal Front President Shivshankar Oraon, and Co-Media In-Charge Yogendra Pratap Singh were also present at the press conference.