Think Beyond Politics on Tribal Issues: Governor Radhakrishnan

Mumbai: Tribal issues must be addressed beyond the realm of politics. A developed India means inclusive development, and to achieve this goal, the standard of living of all tribal communities must be uplifted. Elected representatives must strive towards this, stated Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan today.

The Governor was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of newly elected tribal Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly. The event, organized by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Maharashtra Chapter, was held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on Wednesday (22nd).

Governor Radhakrishnan, who chaired the tribal development subcommittee at the Governor’s Conference held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, emphasized the need for focused efforts on tribal development. He announced the revival of the tribal department at Raj Bhavan to address these issues effectively.

The Governor revealed that an ideal tribal village is being developed in the state, which will feature residential complexes, schools, health centers, community halls, and shopping complexes. Additionally, a separate tribal university will be established in Nashik, which will include an IIT-grade engineering college and a medical college modeled after AIIMS. He stated that 80% of seats in this university would be reserved exclusively for tribal students. He also announced plans to visit tribal villages across the state soon and assured special efforts for the development of particularly vulnerable tribal groups.

During the event, Tribal Development Minister Dr. Ashok Uike proposed that every university in the state should allocate space for hostels for tribal boys and girls. He also called for the strict implementation of the Forest Rights Act and special efforts for the upliftment of the Katkari community.

Satyendra Singh, President of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, highlighted how tribal lifestyles serve as a guide for democracy, panchayats, gender equality, and environmental conservation. He urged tribal MLAs to raise community issues strongly on party platforms and in the legislature. He also encouraged them to focus on becoming agents of development in their constituencies for the next five years.

The event was attended by Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, Vishnu Surum (President of the Konkan Chapter of the Ashram), Olympic sprinter Kavita Raut Tungar, and newly elected tribal MLAs. A total of 17 tribal MLAs were felicitated on this occasion.

Governor Radhakrishnan felicitated the following MLAs: Rajesh Padvi, Kashiram Pawara, Kevalram Kale, Raju Todsam, Dilip Borse, Harishchandra Bhoye, Amshya Padvi, Manjulatai Gavit, Chandrakant Sonawane, Rajendra Gavit, Nitin Pawar, Daulat Daroda, Dr. Kiran Lahamte, Shantaram More, Bhimrao Keram, Narhari Zirwal, and Dr. Ashok Uike.