“A central library will be set up in Nagpur exclusively for tribal students. It will have advanced facilities and tribal students will be able access many books on varied topics which will help them in preparing for competitive examinations. Importantly, the facility will be free for these students,” said State Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike. Dr Uike, Guardian Minister of Chandrapur, was interacting with mediapersons at Patrakar Club of Nagpur on Wednesday. Long ago, a tribal museum was planned at Suraburdi in Nagpur. A political leader shifted it to Parseoni. But the plan never materialised. Asked about the project, Dr Uike said, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given all of us a 100-day plan and this project is part of it.

 

We will perform bhoomipujan of this museum in mid-April this year.” Dr Uike was all praise for Fadnavis, who according to him pays special attention to tribals. It was Fadnavis who implemented the recommendations made by Sukhtankar Committee on tribal affairs, stressed Dr Uike. State Government spends crores of rupees to implement various projects for the tribal community. But even today, tribals are facing various problems in some areas. “We had planned a visit and stay in tribal hostels and ashramshalas where we took feedback from students. On the basis of the inputs, we are working as to how we can improve the conditions in the hostels, ashramashalas,” Minister made it clear. Uike said, “There was a time when the Tribal Department and the Social Welfare Department were one. But in 1983-84, these two departments were separated. There is a provision of a separate budget in the Tribal Department to provide justice to the tribal brethren.

 

A provision of Rs 17,200 crore was made for the Tribal Department in 2024-25. This year a request has been made to increase this provision by 10%. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has a special love for the tribal community. Therefore, it is expected that the funds for the Tribal Department will be increased.”The MInister further said that tribals of Gadchiroli have unique qualities and artistic skills.

 

Therefore, a scheme is needed for to suit them, he opined. In other areas, this scheme is necessary according to the quality and choice of the tribals there,” remarked Dr Uike. As per the instructions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, 100 digital schools will be set up for tribals in the State within 100 days. Along with this, efforts are underway to create a separate commission for tribal people in the State like the Tribal Commission of the Central Government. Dr Uike also said efforts are being made in many other ways for the all-round development of tribals.