COALITION GOVT COMMITTED TO TRIBAL WELFARE, SAYS AP CM NAIDU
Vijayawada, Aug 9 (TNT) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said the coalition government was committed to protecting the rights and welfare of tribal communities and ensuring their all-round development.
Addressing the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples programme at Ambedkar Kala Vedika here, Naidu said the government was working to ensure that every tribal family had access to safe drinking water and housing by 2027.
He said feeder ambulances, 108 emergency services and 104 mobile medical units had been arranged to ensure that people in remote tribal areas did not have to depend on traditional methods such as carrying patients in dolis. Cell towers were also being established to improve digital connectivity in tribal regions.
Naidu said tribal communities had demonstrated that they could achieve extraordinary success when provided with opportunities while preserving their culture and traditions.
He called upon tribal people to convert their aspirations into action and make their individual achievements part of nation-building.
Referring to President Droupadi Murmu, Naidu said her journey from an ordinary tribal woman to a minister and Governor in Odisha and subsequently to the highest constitutional office in the country was an inspiration to every citizen.
With Independence Day approaching, the Chief Minister urged people to reflect on their contribution to society and the nation.
A farmer producing better crops, a woman earning through self-employment and students, teachers, employees, entrepreneurs and workers performing their duties with dedication were all contributing to nation-building, he said.
He called upon people to work with the spirit of “my country, my State, my village and my family”, saying that serving society was the highest form of patriotism.
The Chief Minister said the State government had allocated Rs 4,764 crore for the comprehensive development of 27.39 lakh tribal people in Andhra Pradesh.
Through the Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs), focus was being placed on improving living standards, infrastructure, employment, livelihoods and skill development, he said.
Road connectivity was being provided to 2,336 tribal habitations on a mission mode. Under the ‘Adavi Talli Bata’ initiative, 905 km of roads had been laid at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore, Naidu said.
He said the government had laid the foundation for Araku Coffee as a major brand 25 years ago and that it had now emerged as a global brand.
The government was encouraging coffee cultivation across another one lakh acres and working to promote agency areas as major destinations for commercial crops such as coffee, pepper and turmeric, the CM said..
Naidu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promoted Araku Coffee internationally by presenting it as a gift to the Australian Prime Minister. The State government was also presenting the coffee to visiting dignitaries and had established an Araku Coffee stall in Parliament.
“Our aim is to make Araku Coffee one of the best global brands,” he said.
The government would provide value addition to forest produce from tribal areas and support the entire chain from production to processing and branding, Naidu said.
Products including Seethampeta turmeric, Rampachodavaram rubber, Parvathipuram pineapple, honey and palm jaggery would be supported with improved processing, branding and marketing.
Recalling the naming of the Bhogapuram International Airport after freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, Naidu said it was a tribute to the legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter.
He said the Dhimsa performance by tribal communities during the airport inauguration had recently earned a Guinness World Record, bringing global recognition to their rich cultural traditions.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the shift towards organic cultivation in tribal areas and said tribal farmers were producing valuable crops through sustainable agricultural practices.
The government was committed to expanding opportunities for tribal youth, Naidu said, announcing that 1.5 lakh tribal youth would be provided skill training to improve their employment and livelihood prospects.
Special efforts would also be made to prepare tribal students for competitive examinations. The 19 MoUs signed on the occasion would benefit around 60,000 people and create additional livelihood and development opportunities, he said.
Naidu said the government had established three districts specifically focused on tribal communities, giving them greater administrative priority.
Referring to GO No. 3, the Chief Minister said it had earlier been introduced to ensure employment opportunities for local people in tribal areas but was subsequently struck down.
The present government was examining alternatives to protect employment opportunities for local tribal youth, he said.
The extensive greenery, forests and natural landscapes of tribal areas offered significant tourism potential, Naidu said.
The government would promote tourism in these regions while ensuring that local communities benefited from the opportunities generated, he added.
TNT KM
