He praised civilisational links of tribal communities, invoked tribal leaders’ sacrifices, and thanked FTS members for their service to tribal welfare.
HYDERABAD: Union minister G. Kishan Reddy on Sunday praised tribal communities’ role in preserving nature and said India’s civilisation has long been sustained by tribal stewardship of forests, rivers and biodiversity. He stressed that tribal life embodies sustainable practices central to global climate discussions and underlined the need to protect tribal identity, dignity and constitutional rights.
Taking part in the annual meeting of Friends of Tribal Society at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Rangareddy district, Kishan Reddy listed central government initiatives for tribal welfare, including announcing November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in 2021, construction of 11 tribal freedom fighter museums, the ₹25‑crore Ramji Gond Tribal Museum in Hyderabad, and establishment of the Sammakka‑Sarakka Central Tribal University with about ₹900 crore. He cited expansion of EMRS residential schools, where 1.5 lakh tribal children are availing free education, and an increase in the tribal affairs budget from around ₹4,000 crore (2013–14) to nearly ₹15,000 crore.
Noting Telangana’s steps under the Forest Rights Act and large‑scale scholarships and welfare schemes, the minister said development must reach every tribal citizen. He praised civilisational links of tribal communities, invoked tribal leaders’ sacrifices, and thanked FTS members for their service to tribal welfare.
