The double-engine government ensures the security, dignity, and self-reliance of tribal communities: CM Yogi News24 –

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring security, dignity, and self-reliance for tribal communities. Speaking at the “Tribal Pride Day” program in Chopan, Sonbhadra, to mark the 150th birth anniversary of “Dharti Aaba” Birsa Munda, he said the NDA’s double-engine government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is driving development, good governance, and empowerment, making tribal communities key partners in mainstream progress. He emphasized that this celebration is not only a remembrance but also a pledge to link tribal pride with development.

The Chief Minister highlighted Birsa Munda’s immortal call, “Abua Desh, Abua Raj,” noting that its spirit of “Nation First” resonates strongly in today’s India. He expressed confidence that, inspired by Birsa Munda’s ideals, the tribal community of Sonbhadra and across Uttar Pradesh will actively contribute to national unity, security, and prosperity while taking the lead in developmental initiatives.

Paying tribute to Dharti Aaba, he recalled how Birsa Munda’s 19th-century struggle against British rule became a turning point in safeguarding tribal rights. Today, that legacy continues through policies and programs that ensure respect, participation, and development for tribal communities.

Describing Sonbhadra as Uttar Pradesh’s energy capital and a land of rich natural and historical heritage, the Chief Minister noted, “The strong representation of tribal citizens at the event is a symbol of hope and aspiration.” Descendants of freedom fighters were honored, and land pattas were distributed under the Forest Rights Act. He announced development projects worth ₹548 crore to boost connectivity and infrastructure in the district.

On the occasion, a booklet on Sonbhadra’s tourist destinations and a book on Birsa Munda by the Vice Chancellor of Maa Vindhyavasini University were released. Certificates were distributed to scheme beneficiaries, and 25 scooters were flagged off for women police personnel under ‘Mission Shakti.’ The celebration also showcased India’s vibrant tribal culture through the Yak Dance from Arunachal Pradesh, the Surguja Tribal Group from Chhattisgarh, and the Karma Dance of Sonbhadra.
Highlighting Sonbhadra’s uniqueness, the Chief Minister said, “It is not only the energy capital but also a center of human history and natural heritage. The 1.4-billion-year-old fossils at Salkhan Fossil Park, religious sites like Shivdwar Panchmukhi Mahadev and Jwalamukhi Shaktipeeth, and eco-tourism spots such as Hathi Nala and Biodiversity Park underscore its global and spiritual significance. With 14 of Uttar Pradesh’s 15 tribes residing here, the lives of over 4 lakh tribal citizens are a living legacy of human history and culture.”

Referring to the Double Engine Government’s efforts to preserve tribal pride, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the establishment of a tribal museum and hostel in Imlia Koder, Balrampur. A similar “Tribal Pride Museum” will soon be set up in this commissionerate to showcase tribal art, folk instruments, lifestyle, and traditions, inspiring future generations. The exhibition in Sonbhadra, displaying instruments, folklore, and cultural symbols, reflects this vision.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the “Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan,” under the Prime Minister’s “PM Jan Man Yojana,” is transforming infrastructure and development in 517 tribal-dominated villages across Uttar Pradesh. With a tribal population of around 11 lakh residing in districts including Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, Balrampur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shravasti, and Bahraich, the government is ensuring no eligible family is left out of its schemes.

He noted, “While earlier governments delayed Forest Rights Act decisions, leading to exploitation, the current administration has adopted clear policies and taken decisive steps. Over 1,000 tribal families received forest land leases during the program, adding to more than 23,000 leases approved previously—providing ownership rights and ending decades of fear and oppression.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that the government prioritizes social security for every tribal family, including land leases, safe housing, ration cards, Ayushman Bharat coverage, toilets, and old-age or destitute women’s pensions. Benefits from Anganwadis to schools, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Kusum Yojana, housing, energy, financial inclusion, and self-employment schemes are being fully distributed to eligible families.

Presenting Sonbhadra as a model in education and skill development, he noted the establishment of the Eklavya Model Residential School for 240 students, Government Ashram Vidyalayas for boys and girls, Kasturba Gandhi Girls Residential Schools expanded up to grade 12, and Atal Residential School for children of BOCW workers or orphaned children. Programs like “Abhyudaya” coaching are helping talented tribal youth succeed in competitive exams like NEET and IIT-JEE.

Highlighting local resources, the Chief Minister said tribal youth are being trained in eco-tourism and as guides. Traditional healers and herbalists are encouraged to promote forest medicines, enhancing tribal incomes while preserving their knowledge and heritage.

Elaborating on Sonbhadra’s development, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the district is set to achieve new heights as Uttar Pradesh’s energy capital. A 1,320 MW power project worth over ₹13,005 crore at the UP State Power Generation Corporation unit in Obra has boosted the state’s energy capacity and created employment opportunities for thousands of youth. The Kanhar Irrigation Project, costing over ₹3,394 crore, is providing irrigation to 53,000 farming families across 108 villages in Robertsganj, Duddhi, and Obra, covering approximately 35,467 hectares. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the “Har Ghar Nal” scheme is connecting 36,649 households to drinking water, with most households already receiving tap connections. Healthcare infrastructure has also been strengthened with the completion of Sonbhadra’s first government medical college and the upgradation of the district hospital to a 500-bed facility.

On investment and employment, proposals worth over ₹25,981 crore have been received for Sonbhadra, promising new jobs and economic growth. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), 80,516 rural and 11,411 urban houses have been constructed, while 23,973 families benefited under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana. The Swachh Bharat Mission has provided household toilets to 351,772 rural and 4,996 urban families, along with 669 community toilets.

For energy security and women’s empowerment, over 251,000 beneficiaries received free LPG connections under PM Ujjwala, with additional free cylinders during Diwali and Holi. More than 650,000 Ayushman Bharat cards have been issued, while 8,000 street vendors benefitted under PM-SVANidhi. Social security coverage extends to 108,324 under Atal Pension Yojana, 686,087 under PM Suraksha Bima, and 349,796 under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima. Under the PM Jan Dhan Yojana, 8,30,570 bank accounts were opened, and loans worth over ₹893 crore were provided under the PM Mudra Yojana. Over 9,000 families received property ownership documents under Swamitva Yojana. Under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, ₹712 crore has been transferred to 2,35,573 farmers, and 2,646 farmers received solar panels under PM-KUSUM.

The Chief Minister highlighted the Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme, which supported 8,324 daughters in Sonbhadra, and pensions for 75,709 elderly, 26,432 destitute women, and 11,017 differently-abled citizens. Programs like “BC Sakhi” are empowering women in villages while improving access to banking and government schemes.

Honoring descendants of freedom fighters, he said, forest rights pattas are a vital step in restoring justice and ownership. Development projects worth ₹532 crore, alongside ongoing education, healthcare, housing, livelihood, and social security initiatives for tribal communities, form a roadmap for holistic growth.
On Bihar’s historic NDA victory, the Chief Minister noted the deep cultural and historical bonds between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, comparing their relationship to the sacred connection between Lord Ram and Maa Janaki. He said the election reflects growing trust in double-engine governments and public support for Prime Minister Modi’s national development agenda.
During the program, Minister of State Sanjeev Gond presented the Chief Minister with tribal symbols, including a bow and arrow, the Mandar drum, and a traditional cap. BJP State President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, Minister in-charge Ravindra Jaiswal, Social Welfare Minister Aseem Arun, and local representatives were also present.

Major Projects Inaugurated:
A bridge over Kolia Ghat on the Son River along the Ghorawal–Shilpi–Kothari road; widening and strengthening of the Balui–Mitapur and Urmaura–Rajpur roads via Basauli, Bahuar, Raghunathpur, and Sinduri; construction of a 200-person barracks at the 48th PAC Battalion; and a hostel/barracks for 150 police personnel at the Police Lines.

Foundation Stones Laid:
Residential and non-residential buildings for the District Rural Development Institute; a new integrated special secondary school; widening and strengthening of the Ghorawal–Kohrtha–Shivdwar road; a residential building in the newly created Obra tehsil; three Type-A and 23 Type-B houses at Jugail Police Station; and a Kalyan Mandap at the Sonbhadra Municipal Council.

After Tej Pratap, now Rohini Acharya parts ways with Lalu Yadav….who is Sanjay Yadav, man allegedly responsible for fight in Lalu’s family