New Delhi: President of India droupadi murmu inaugurated the National Conclave on Strengthening of Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) and Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) in New Delhi on Tuesday. During the event, the President also virtually inaugurated a Training Fab at the Indian institute of science ‘s Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, Bengaluru, along with 75 Space Labs established in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the country.
Addressing participants, President Murmu described the conclave as a gathering of “tribal change agents” and urged officials and stakeholders to ensure that welfare and development schemes reach tribal communities directly at the grassroots level. She said that collective discussions among officials working at the state and project levels would help generate effective solutions for tribal development.
The President emphasized that the ultimate purpose of every government project is to improve people’s lives. She called upon agencies and personnel involved in tribal development to focus on key issues such as adequate nutrition for pregnant women, quality education for tribal children, dignified livelihood opportunities for tribal youth, and effective delivery of welfare benefits to every tribal family.
Highlighting the importance of sensitivity in governance, she said that all development initiatives should be implemented with a human-centric approach.
President Murmu also expressed satisfaction that, alongside modern development efforts, special attention is being given to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems of tribal communities.
Stressing the role of education in social progress, she urged stakeholders to work wholeheartedly towards the education and skill development of tribal children and youth. She noted that nearly 500 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have already been established across the country. The President said that the holistic development of tribal communities is essential to India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Inclusive growth, she noted, can only be achieved when tribal communities fully participate in the nation’s progress.
She expressed confidence that the recommendations and roadmap emerging from the conclave would help translate tribal development plans into concrete action at the grassroots level, ensuring comprehensive and inclusive development for tribal communities across India.
