Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared that the National Democratic Alliance's resounding victory in the Bihar Assembly elections is a clear indicator of the public's growing faith in the 'double-engine government' model and their endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda. He made these remarks on Saturday during an event in Sonbhadra commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of revered tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
Boosting Tribal Heritage and Development
In a significant move to honor and preserve tribal culture, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a 'tribal pride museum' in Sonbhadra. This museum aims to showcase the rich tapestry of tribal art, folk instruments, traditional lifestyles, and cultural heritage, serving as an inspiration for future generations. Emphasizing his government's commitment, Adityanath stated that the BJP is dedicated to ensuring the security, dignity, and self-reliance of tribal communities across the state.
Massive Infrastructure Push for Sonbhadra
Further propelling development in the region, CM Yogi unveiled a slew of development projects valued at a substantial Rs 548 crore. These initiatives are strategically designed to boost connectivity and enhance infrastructure throughout the Sonbhadra district. He described Sonbhadra as not just Uttar Pradesh's energy capital but also a land brimming with profound natural and historical significance.
Highlighting the district's unique global and spiritual stature, he pointed to attractions like the 1.4-billion-year-old fossils at Salkhan Fossil Park, revered religious sites such as Shivdwar Panchmukhi Mahadev and Jwalamukhi Shaktipeeth, and popular eco-tourism destinations including Hathi Nala and the Biodiversity Park. The district is also a cultural microcosm, home to 14 of Uttar Pradesh's 15 tribal communities, with over 4 lakh tribal residents preserving a living legacy of human history.
Comprehensive Tribal Welfare Initiatives
The Chief Minister elaborated on the government's wide-ranging efforts for tribal upliftment. He highlighted the 'Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan' under the PM Jan Man Yojana, which is actively transforming infrastructure and development in 517 tribal-dominated villages across Uttar Pradesh. With a total tribal population of approximately 11 lakh spread across several districts, the administration is working to ensure that no eligible family is excluded from government schemes.
Sonbhadra is also being developed as a model for education and skill development. The establishment of institutions like the Eklavya Model Residential School, Government Ashram Vidyalayas, Kasturba Gandhi Girls Residential Schools, and the Atal Residential School for construction workers' children or orphans underscores this focus. Furthermore, programs like 'Abhyudaya' coaching are empowering talented tribal youth to succeed in highly competitive exams such as NEET and IIT-JEE.
To leverage local resources, the government is training tribal youth in eco-tourism and as tourist guides. Traditional healers and herbalists are being encouraged to promote forest-based medicines, a step that enhances tribal incomes while simultaneously preserving their invaluable traditional knowledge.
The celebratory event also saw the honoring of descendants of freedom fighters, with land parcels being allocated to them under the Forest Rights Act. The vibrant tribal culture of India was on full display through captivating performances like the Yak Dance from Arunachal Pradesh, the Surguja Tribal Group from Chhattisgarh, and the local Karma Dance of Sonbhadra.
