How Modi’s India is Uplifting Tribal Communities
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Nov 14: For generations, India’s tribal communities endured hardship on the fringes of society, with limited access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and cultural acknowledgment. This exclusion left them vulnerable, facing poverty and neglect.
However, since 2014, the Modi government has launched an array of initiatives focused on tribal welfare, propelling these communities toward empowerment and inclusion. Today, these policies are transforming the lives of millions, addressing issues that have long gone unnoticed and bridging gaps in education, healthcare, economic support, and cultural pride.
Transforming Education: From Dreams to Reality
Education has been a significant area of change for tribal communities, where quality schooling was once out of reach. The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), introduced earlier to provide education tailored to tribal needs, were sparse and underfunded. Since 2014, the number of these schools has surged. With 715 EMRS schools sanctioned and 476 fully operational, more than 1.33 lakh tribal students now receive quality education in facilities equipped with digital classrooms and sports infrastructure. To further support tribal students, the government has allocated Rs 17,000 crore in scholarships, benefiting over 3 crore students and paving the way for higher education and broader career prospects. Once a distant hope, educational attainment for tribal youth is now a reality.
Healthcare on the Doorstep: A New Chapter for Tribal Well-being
Tribal regions have historically been underserved in healthcare, with medical facilities far from reach and health services sporadic. Today, the picture has changed dramatically. Mobile medical units now bring healthcare directly to remote tribal villages, ensuring that basic and emergency medical care is within reach. In a transformative sanitation push, over 1.5 crore toilets have been constructed in tribal areas, reducing disease spread and improving hygiene. A milestone initiative is the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, launched in 2023, which targets the complete eradication of sickle cell anemia—a disease that disproportionately affects tribal populations—by 2047. Already, over 4.6 crore people have been screened, with treatment underway. The mission aims to screen, counsel, and care for 7 crore individuals, marking an unprecedented health intervention in tribal regions.
Empowering through Land Rights: Security and Stability
For India’s tribal communities, land represents both a means of livelihood and a vital link to cultural identity. Before 2014, lack of land rights left tribal people vulnerable to displacement and exploitation. Recognizing this, the Modi government has rigorously implemented the Forest Rights Act, granting over 23 lakh land titles to tribal families, covering an impressive 1.9 crore acres. This landmark move not only provides security but allows tribes to cultivate their land and preserve their cultural heritage. For tribal communities, these land rights are foundational to economic empowerment, resilience, and long-term stability.
Economic Empowerment: Building Self-Reliance
The government’s economic initiatives for tribal communities have been transformative. The National Bamboo Mission, for example, reclassified bamboo from “tree” status, allowing tribal communities to harvest and profit from it. This shift has opened new income opportunities, supporting traditional livelihoods while enabling economic independence. The Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) have helped 45 lakh tribal beneficiaries enhance forest-based products, boosting their incomes. Additionally, the PM-KISAN scheme has directly benefited 1.2 crore tribal farmers with financial aid, empowering them to invest in agriculture and increase productivity. These programs are not only increasing incomes but are also creating sustainable economic foundations for future generations.
Infrastructure Development: Bridging Decades of Isolation
Infrastructure development has played a critical role in integrating tribal regions with the rest of India. In Naxal-affected and remote tribal areas, limited road connectivity and unreliable transportation created daily challenges, isolating these communities from essential services and opportunities. Since 2014, thousands of kilometers of roads have been constructed, bridging the gap between tribal villages and urban centers. These roads have not only improved access to healthcare, education, and markets but have also strengthened the connection between tribal regions and the broader economy. With better infrastructure, tribal communities are no longer isolated; they now have access to opportunities that once seemed impossible.
Honoring Tribal Culture: A New Era of Recognition
An essential part of the government’s approach has been to honor and celebrate tribal culture and contributions. For years, the stories and sacrifices of tribal heroes remained largely untold. Under the Modi government, the birth anniversary of the tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda is now celebrated as Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas, recognizing his role in India’s freedom struggle. Cultural landmarks, such as the renaming of the Habibganj Railway Station to Rani Kamalapati Railway Station and the establishment of Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums, honor the contributions of tribal leaders. This newfound recognition has given tribal communities a sense of pride and identity, reaffirming their place in India’s heritage.
A New Future for Tribal India
Through dedicated policies and initiatives, the Modi government has ushered in a new era of inclusion for India’s tribal communities. The transformation spans across sectors—education, healthcare, economic empowerment, infrastructure, and cultural recognition—each element building on the others to support a future where tribal communities are no longer sidelined but celebrated as integral to India’s diversity and strength. This journey from marginalization to empowerment is a testament to what can be achieved when the government commits to inclusivity and uplifts those who have long been forgotten.
India’s tribal communities are stepping confidently into a future where they are no longer merely surviving but are thriving, contributing to the nation’s growth with dignity, pride, and resilience.
