Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said the state government would ensure that every tribal family will have access to safe drinking water and housing by 2027, while also expanding livelihood, education, healthcare and job chances for tribals.
Addressing an International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples programme at Ambedkar Kala Vedika here on Sunday, Naidu said the government was committed to protecting the rights and welfare of tribals.
Naidu said feeder ambulances, the 108 and 104 mobile medical units etc were being arranged to end the tribal communities’ dependence on traditional ‘doli’ methods to carry patients. Cell towers were also being established to improve digital connectivity.
The government, he said, had allocated Rs 4,764 crore for comprehensive development of 27.39 lakh tribals, with Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) focusing on living standards, infrastructure, livelihoods, employment and skill development. Road connectivity was being provided to 2,336 tribal habitations on a mission mode. Under the ‘Adavi Talli Bata’ initiative, 905km of roads had been laid for Rs 1,000 crore.
Naidu said the government would provide value addition, processing and branding support to forest produce to ensure greater returns for tribal communities. Seethampeta turmeric, Rampachodavaram rubber, Parvathipuram pineapple, honey and palm jaggery are developed through improved processing and marketing.
The Chief Minister said Araku Coffee, for which the government had laid the foundation as a major brand 25 years ago, has acquired global recognition. Coffee cultivation would be expanded across another one lakh acre, along with efforts to promote pepper and turmeric. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presented Araku Coffee as a gift to the Australian PM, while the state had set up an Araku Coffee stall in Parliament. “We aim to make Araku Coffee one of the best global brands,” he said.
The Chief Minister said 1.5 lakh tribal youths would receive skill training. Special efforts would be made to prepare tribal students for competitive examinations. Nineteen MoUs signed on the occasion would benefit around 60,000 people by creating additional livelihood opportunities.
Recalling that the Bhogapuram airport had been named after Manyam Veerudu Alluri Sitarama Raju, Naidu said the mass Dhimsa performance by tribal communities at its inauguration had earned a Guinness World Record, showcasing their rich cultural heritage globally. He also highlighted the growing adoption of organic farming by tribal farmers.
Referring to employment, he said the government was examining alternatives after GO-3 intended to provide employment opportunities to local people in tribal areas was struck down.
Naidu said the lush green forests and natural landscapes of tribal regions offered enormous tourism potential. “We would promote tourism extensively while ensuring that local communities benefited from such initiatives.”
Citing President Droupadi Murmu’s journey as an inspiration, he urged citizens to contribute to society through sincere work.
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