Gujarat Govt launches development projects worth ₹2,284 crore across 14 tribal districts

Chhota Udepur: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday virtually inaugurated development projects and laid e-foundation stones for works worth ₹2,283.97 crore across 14 tribal districts of Gujarat on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The projects cover key sectors, including water supply, irrigation, roads, education, healthcare, animal husbandry, and forest and environment. They include development works worth ₹1,017 crore, educational infrastructure such as Adarsh Residential Schools, hostels, Eklavya Model Schools and New Gujarat Residential Schools, along with various public welfare initiatives.

The Chief Minister also approved Forest Rights Certificates for 18,828 beneficiaries across the state and launched the Prakruti Krushi Aadharit Vadi Sahay Yojana across 14 tribal districts.

Addressing the gathering, Patel said the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, launched in 2007, had emerged as a significant initiative for the comprehensive development of tribal communities. He added that development projects worth ₹2 lakh crore were planned for tribal regions over the next five years.

Highlighting the transformation of tribal areas, Patel said connectivity had progressed beyond the demand for paved roads to villages, with high-speed corridors now being developed to improve accessibility. He said tribal regions currently have 12 science colleges, two universities, 12 medical colleges and 57 Eklavya Model Residential Schools.

More than 22,500 smart classrooms have been established, while over 18,800 Forest Rights Certificates have been distributed to beneficiaries, he added.

The Chief Minister also announced plans to develop Chhota Udepur as a Sports and Food Processing Hub to generate employment opportunities for local youth. Shabari Booths and Johar Cafes were launched to strengthen livelihood opportunities for tribal women and local artisans.

Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel said Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was being celebrated at 86 locations across Gujarat. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the development of more than 1.1 crore tribal residents across the tribal belt stretching from Umargam to Ambaji.

DeshGujarat