Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the state government is committed to the overall development of tribal areas ensuring balanced growth by utilising Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The government is making efforts to bring the tribal community into the mainstream, for which several schemes are being implemented, he said.
The Chief Minister said these at a conference organised by the Tribal Development Department in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Tuesday. The one day conference titled ‘CSR for change: Accelerating Schedule Tribes Development through CSR partnership’ was hosted at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai which witnessed participation from 82 companies including PSUs, Banks and Corporates.
Focus on Education and Healthcare of Tribal Communities
Emphasising on the need for rapid improvements in education and healthcare services for the tribal population, the CM shared, “CSR funds should not be concentrated only in metropolitan areas but should be utilised for balanced development. Special focus should be given to education and healthcare.”
The central and state governments have launched several schemes to integrate the tribal community into the mainstream, stated the CM adding that the government is running various schemes to provide nutritional support to pregnant women and children.
Tribals comprise 9.5 % of Maharashtra’s population
“Maharashtra has approximately 9.5 per cent of its total population belonging to the tribal community, which constitutes about 10 per cent of India’s total tribal population. This makes Maharashtra a state with a significant tribal presence. Efforts are being made to provide high-quality education to tribal children and ensure that their natural talents receive appropriate recognition. To facilitate this, admissions are being given in reputed schools,” the Chief Minister said.
Maharashtra’s Tribal Development Minister Dr. Ashok Uike, said at the event, “For the first time, we are initiating a CSR for Change programme in partnership with the corporate sector to support the upliftment of our tribal brothers and sisters. With the support of CSR partnerships, we will strengthen the efforts of our development programs.”
Tribal Development Department Secretary Vijay Waghmare spoke about the various schemes and efforts being made at the government level for the upliftment of the tribal community.
