Latest news with #MinistryofTribalAffairs
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Awareness campaign on tribal welfare schemes to be held in Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu district from June 15
The District Administration of Palnadu, under the guidance of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, will launch an intensive awareness campaign from June 15 to 30, 2025 to educate tribal communities about key welfare schemes, especially aimed at Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), such as the Chenchu population. The District Collector P. Arun Babu told The Hindu that these awareness camps would enhance the living standards of the PVTGs in the district, so that they could easily access all the welfare schemes benefits. According to the 2011 census, there is a total of 7,235 PVTG Chenchu population with 2,143 households in 51 habitations, with a literacy rate of 35.1% in the district. The campaign is part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), launched a couple of years back by MoTA, designed to uplift PVTG tribal communities by ensuring access to essential services. In the first phase, 51 Chenchu habitations in Veldurthi, Macherla, Durgi, Karampudi, Bollapalli, and Rentachintala mandals will be covered. With coordination from nine government departments, awareness sessions will highlight 11 essential schemes, including housing, drinking water, electricity, LPG connections, road connectivity, mobile medical units, and Anganwadi centres. The second phase will extend similar benefits to 31 Chenchu habitations in non-PVTG mandals of the district, following Central Government approval. Additionally, under the Dharati Abh-Janjatiya Grama Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA–JGUA), 17 habitations across five mandals — Macherla, Durgi, Dachepalli, Achampet, and Bollapalli — will be surveyed to identify infrastructure gaps. With coordination from 17 departments, awareness sessions will cover 25 welfare schemes to bridge the development divide. The District Administration, under Collector P. Arun Babu, will conduct these sessions through the respective Municipal Planning and Development Offices (MPDOs). Tribal residents are urged to attend with necessary documents such as Aadhaar, bank passbook, health card, job card, electricity bill, gas connection details, and land-related documents to resolve grievances and avail benefits effectively.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Tribal Affairs Minister highlights achievements in 11 years of NDA government
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Monday (May 26, 2025) launched a booklet on the 'major achievements' of the initiatives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the past 11 years of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre (2014-2025), leading with the government's declaration of the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda as the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh', and recently launched programmes for the saturation of basic schemes in villages inhabited by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). At the event to launch the booklet, Mr. Oram responded to questions on the ₹72,000 crore Great Nicobar Island infrastructure project, saying that complaints about the alleged violation of forest rights, and the controversy over the process of procuring the gram sabha's consent for forest diversion was 'under examination'. 'Whatever documents have been submitted are under examination. It cannot be said what stage it is at right now,' Mr. Oram said, responding to questions. It was not immediately clear which aspects were under examination. 'There are multiple aspects on these issues — one is whether gram sabha was held, whether their recommendation was received, and whether process was followed. Another aspect is the Environmental Impact Assessment. Our Ministry's purview deals with just the process of gram sabha, and other aspects are dealt with by other Ministries,' Mr. Oram said. The infrastructure project on the Great Nicobar island has been mired in controversy since it received preliminary clearances in 2022. Soon after the project was said to have secured the consent of local tribespeople, the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar withdrew the consent it was said to have granted. The National Green Tribunal, and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes had subsequently also raised concerns over due process for the consent procedure and the environmental impact of the project. Speaking on the achievements of the Tribal Affairs Ministry in the past 11 years, Mr. Oram said that the booklet was 'thorough' but 'it is important for me to mention this progress'. He added that a lot of the Ministry's initiatives, especially in planning health interventions, were initiated when he became the first Union Tribal Affairs Minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and later when he took the position again in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first term. 'This work has been continued through the years by my fellow colleagues as well,' Mr. Oram said. In the booklet on the achievements, the government begins with the declaration of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh from November 15, 2024 to November 15, 2025, which is being marked with national and State-level events. This was a top promise in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for marginalised sections ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Going through the booklet, the Minister then proceeded to speak on the PM JANMAN programme, which is a basic scheme saturation package that brings housing, healthcare, nutrition, road connectivity, power, and drinking water interventions to 75 PVTG communities across 19 States and Union Territories across the country. The Ministry added that, under the package, 4.35 lakh houses had been sanctioned, of which 1.04 lakh houses had been completed. Electrification of over 1.4 lakh households had been sanctioned, of which electrification of 1.05 lakh had been completed. The Ministry said that other interventions, including setting up the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, business training sessions, mobile medical units, and multipurpose centres, had also been initiated. Further, '596 villages saturated with interventions', the Ministry said. The Minister also spoke about the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, a scheme saturation package designed on the lines of the PM JANMAN package to saturate ST villages with 25 interventions by involving 17 line Ministries. The Ministry also went on to highlight the Eklavya Model Residential School scheme, which has been revamped and centralised in the past half-a-dozen years. The Ministry's booklet also spoke of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act or FRA. It spoke of having 'achieved a remarkable 412.71% increase in the distribution of Community Forest Rights titles, thereby strengthening tribal self-governance'. According to the text of the Act, the burden of implementing the legislation falls on the respective State and Union Territory governments. Apart from this, the booklet outlines other schemes of the Ministry, including scholarships it administers for ST students, the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, promotion of tribal-made products through the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, a mission for 'Tribal Health Enhancement', support to Tribal Research Institutes, and special attention given to tribal freedom fighter museums.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gujarat's first 'Centre of Competency' has been approved in Surat
Gandhinagar: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has approved Gujarat's first 'Centre of Competency (CoC)' in Surat. This centre is poised to become a crucial hub for advanced treatment, accurate diagnosis, and integrated strategies aimed at the eradication of sickle cell anaemia, said an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's office (CMO). According to the release, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission - 2047, on 1st July 2023 from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, signifying a nationwide resolve to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047. Minister of Tribal Development, Dr. Kuber Dindor, stated that, "to support this initiative, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have jointly allocated a significant grant of Rs 6 crore to Gujarat." Sharing further details, Minister of Tribal Development, Kuber Dindor said that, "since 2005-06, Gujarat's then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken numerous initiatives to improve the health care of tribal communities, especially for controlling sickle cell disease in the state." According to the release, additionally, with the support of organisations like the Blood Donation Centre (VRK) in Valsad and the Sickle Cell Foundation in Bardoli, promising efforts are underway to control the disease. Recognising Gujarat's effective work in managing sickle cell disease among affected states across the country, the Government of India has planned special programs and regulatory measures in sickle cell-affected states as part of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission. Gujarat has become a model for other states in controlling this disease. Accordingly, the 'Centre of Competency (Coc)' established at New Civil Hospital, Surat will serve as a crucial centre in the state to carry out impactful work towards the eradication of sickle cell anaemia from Gujarat. According to the release, from the outset, Gujarat has offered free sickle cell anaemia testing services, which typically cost around Rs 200 to Rs 300 in the private sector. Moreover, patients receive a range of additional facilities and support services. Under the continuous guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has emerged as a 'Model State' in the mission to eradicate sickle cell anaemia prevalent among tribal communities, a distinction which is a matter of pride for all the people of Gujarat, the Minister added. Minister Dindor said that, in Gujarat," the Tribal Development Department, along with the Gujarat Tribal Research and Training Society , in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare Department, conducts awareness programs, preventive measures, and containment efforts related to sickle cell disease. A particular emphasis is placed on organising awareness campaigns throughout the year in schools and colleges within tribal areas to prevent the transmission of this disease among the new generation." The release said that the Tribal Development Department and the Health Department are closely collaborating to enhance the effectiveness of the programs. The minister further added that the center will provide patient care, treatment, education, and research related to the disease. Additionally, it will be equipped with a modern laboratory for sickle cell patients, along with facilities including 30 treatment beds and two ICU beds. An action plan has been formulated accordingly. Under the leadership of Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, the Health Department has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing the CoC in Surat. Providing further insights, Minister of State for Tribal Development Kunvarji Halpati said that this disease is predominantly found among tribal people. Among Gujarat's 14 tribal districts, South Gujarat has a larger tribal population and a higher number of affected patients. Consequently, the New Civil Hospital in Surat has been selected as the location for the CoC, demonstrating the commitment of both the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat to tribal health care. According to the release, he expressed hope that this centre will carry out effective work in the near future to eradicate sickle cell disease among the tribal population. The Government of India has approved CoCs in a total of 17 states, including Gujarat, to focus on the healthcare of tribal communities nationwide--a matter of pride and joy. Under this centre, nodal officers, sickle cell counsellors, and healthcare professionals from 14 tribal districts of Gujarat will receive specialised training. The centre aims to raise disease awareness and strengthen healthcare capabilities within tribal communities. In its inaugural year, the CoC will be established with a multidisciplinary team and equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. A robust system will be implemented to register and ensure consistent follow-up with every sickle cell patient. A specialized training center will be established to facilitate capacity-building programs for healthcare providers. Additionally, where required, culturally relevant training materials and awareness literature will be developed and disseminated in local tribal languages to enhance communication and outreach. Research on hereditary diseases such as sickle cell anaemia will be carried out by both government agencies and specialized voluntary organizations dedicated to disease control and treatment. Insights gained from these studies will help strengthen awareness and preventive efforts within tribal communities, alongside providing targeted training to healthcare workers in tribal regions to enhance their expertise. The CoC will play an important role in addressing the intergenerational challenges of hereditary diseases like sickle cell anaemia, with a focus on providing long-term, sustainable solutions.
India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Gujarat's first 'Centre of Competency' has been approved in Surat
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], May 15 (ANI): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has approved Gujarat's first 'Centre of Competency (CoC)' in Surat. This centre is poised to become a crucial hub for advanced treatment, accurate diagnosis, and integrated strategies aimed at the eradication of sickle cell anaemia, said an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's office (CMO). According to the release, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission - 2047, on 1st July 2023 from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, signifying a nationwide resolve to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047. Minister of Tribal Development, Dr. Kuber Dindor, stated that, 'to support this initiative, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have jointly allocated a significant grant of Rs 6 crore to Gujarat.' Sharing further details, Minister of Tribal Development, Kuber Dindor said that, 'since 2005-06, Gujarat's then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken numerous initiatives to improve the health care of tribal communities, especially for controlling sickle cell disease in the state.' According to the release, additionally, with the support of organisations like the Blood Donation Centre (VRK) in Valsad and the Sickle Cell Foundation in Bardoli, promising efforts are underway to control the disease. Recognising Gujarat's effective work in managing sickle cell disease among affected states across the country, the Government of India has planned special programs and regulatory measures in sickle cell-affected states as part of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission. Gujarat has become a model for other states in controlling this disease. Accordingly, the 'Centre of Competency (Coc)' established at New Civil Hospital, Surat will serve as a crucial centre in the state to carry out impactful work towards the eradication of sickle cell anaemia from Gujarat. According to the release, from the outset, Gujarat has offered free sickle cell anaemia testing services, which typically cost around Rs 200 to Rs 300 in the private sector. Moreover, patients receive a range of additional facilities and support services. Under the continuous guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has emerged as a 'Model State' in the mission to eradicate sickle cell anaemia prevalent among tribal communities, a distinction which is a matter of pride for all the people of Gujarat, the Minister added. Minister Dindor said that, in Gujarat,' the Tribal Development Department, along with the Gujarat Tribal Research and Training Society, in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare Department, conducts awareness programs, preventive measures, and containment efforts related to sickle cell disease. A particular emphasis is placed on organising awareness campaigns throughout the year in schools and colleges within tribal areas to prevent the transmission of this disease among the new generation.' The release said that the Tribal Development Department and the Health Department are closely collaborating to enhance the effectiveness of the programs. The minister further added that the center will provide patient care, treatment, education, and research related to the disease. Additionally, it will be equipped with a modern laboratory for sickle cell patients, along with facilities including 30 treatment beds and two ICU beds. An action plan has been formulated accordingly. Under the leadership of Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, the Health Department has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing the CoC in Surat. Providing further insights, Minister of State for Tribal Development Kunvarji Halpati said that this disease is predominantly found among tribal people. Among Gujarat's 14 tribal districts, South Gujarat has a larger tribal population and a higher number of affected patients. Consequently, the New Civil Hospital in Surat has been selected as the location for the CoC, demonstrating the commitment of both the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat to tribal health care. According to the release, he expressed hope that this centre will carry out effective work in the near future to eradicate sickle cell disease among the tribal population. The Government of India has approved CoCs in a total of 17 states, including Gujarat, to focus on the healthcare of tribal communities nationwide--a matter of pride and joy. Under this centre, nodal officers, sickle cell counsellors, and healthcare professionals from 14 tribal districts of Gujarat will receive specialised training. The centre aims to raise disease awareness and strengthen healthcare capabilities within tribal communities. In its inaugural year, the CoC will be established with a multidisciplinary team and equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. A robust system will be implemented to register and ensure consistent follow-up with every sickle cell patient. A specialized training center will be established to facilitate capacity-building programs for healthcare providers. Additionally, where required, culturally relevant training materials and awareness literature will be developed and disseminated in local tribal languages to enhance communication and outreach. Research on hereditary diseases such as sickle cell anaemia will be carried out by both government agencies and specialized voluntary organizations dedicated to disease control and treatment. Insights gained from these studies will help strengthen awareness and preventive efforts within tribal communities, alongside providing targeted training to healthcare workers in tribal regions to enhance their expertise. The CoC will play an important role in addressing the intergenerational challenges of hereditary diseases like sickle cell anaemia, with a focus on providing long-term, sustainable solutions. (ANI)
Arab News
26-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
India celebrates 76th Republic Day in Riyadh, highlighting cultural ties with Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Ambassador of India to the Kingdom Suhel Ajaz Khan underlined that a mutual appreciation of culture was strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and India during the latter's 76th Republic Day celebration in Riyadh. 'A shared love for culture brings our countries together,' he said. 'From Bollywood cinema to yoga, music, and food, we have continued to be inspired by each other. 'We were delighted to participate in the annual Riyadh Season 2024 under the Global Harmony Initiative of the Saudi government,' he added, referring to a series of events which began in October to celebrate the culture of the Kingdom's different expatriate groups. India's Republic Day was celebrated on Sunday evening in the Cultural Palace in Riyadh and brought together both Saudis and Indians in a commemoration of culture and history. Omar Khan, an Indian native who has called the Kingdom his home for nearly three decades, attended the event. The product manager at STC Technologies told Arab News: 'I'm a second-generation, third-culture kid. I've seen Republic Days for the past three decades in Saudi Arabia. 'I think one thing that's very important is the representation of my country. It makes me proud that, although India is a distant land for me and Riyadh is home, I feel very connected, and I see that the partnership of Saudi Arabia and India has grown leaps and bounds. 'I'm very proud to say that I am somebody who grew up in Saudi Arabia and yet is Indian by his roots.' Indian youngsters took to the stage following the ambassador's speech to perform a dance routine showcasing their country's music and culture. The embassy event also featured multiple booths to highlight the many Indian-owned businesses and products in the Kingdom, in the food, tourism, and medical sectors. India's Ministry of Tribal Affairs also had a booth to showcase handmade products from the country, including coats, artifacts, and silk pashminas. Staff from Aster Sanad Hospital were present to help visitors with medical issues. The ambassador said: 'India will work with our international partners, including Saudi Arabia, to contribute to a world of peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth. 'With these words I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people for their long-standing friendship and support. 'Let us continue to work together to build a future based on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.'
