Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday announced a focused initiative to strengthen eco-tourism and create opportunities in Bihar's tribal regions. He declared that heliports will be developed in Valmikinagar and Kaimur, areas with a high concentration of tribal population. This initiative aims to improve access and attract visitors while preserving the region's natural and cultural identity.
Home-stay Facilities and Marathons
Speaking during a 'Samvad' programme with post-matric scholarship beneficiaries under the theme 'Birsa Lives in New Bharat', held at the CM's secretariat as part of 'Janjatiya Garima Utsav 2026', Choudhary said the state government will also promote home-stay facilities within tribal communities. This move is intended to create local livelihoods and offer tourists a closer understanding of tribal culture through direct community participation.
The CM also announced that marathons will be organized in tribal areas, with prize money set at Rs 1 lakh for first place, Rs 75,000 for second, and Rs 50,000 for third place.
Degree College in Adhaura
In another major announcement, he said a degree college will be opened in Adhaura in Kaimur district, highlighting the hardships faced by tribal residents there and stressing that the government is working for the advancement and prosperity of tribal society.
150th Anniversary of Birsa Munda
Choudhary said the year is being observed as the 150th anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, an initiative launched on November 15 last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Noting that Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, he recalled Munda's role in the freedom struggle and his efforts for the uplift of tribal society, including his imprisonment and torture while leading a movement against the British.
He added that the Prime Minister is working to bring scheduled tribe students into the mainstream, with efforts extending to the grassroots. He cited Eklavya schools established in Bihar by the Union government, where education will be provided under both Bihar Board and CBSE syllabi to support the progress of scheduled tribe children.
Scholarship Beneficiaries
On scholarships, he said around 1.4 lakh scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students have benefited under the state's post-matric scholarship, including 4,155 scheduled tribe students. Under the pre-matric scholarship, 20.46 lakh students have benefited this year, including 1.41 lakh scheduled tribe students.
The programme was also addressed by Deputy CMs Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav; Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari; and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister Lakhendra Kumar Raushan.
