Jashpur: Birsa Munda was honoured on his 150th birth anniversary as Vishnu Deo Sai unveiled a life-size statue of the tribal freedom fighter and social reformer in Dondirahi village under Karma Gram Panchayat, located in Bagicha area of Jashpur district.
Paying tribute, the Chief Minister described Birsa Munda’s struggle for “jal, jangal aur zameen” (water, forests and land) as a timeless inspiration for tribal communities and the entire nation.
₹37 Lakh Local Development Works Announced
During the programme, CM Sai announced development projects worth ₹37 lakh for the region, aimed at strengthening local infrastructure. These include:
- ₹15 lakh for a community hall in Baigatoli Karma
- ₹8 lakh for a stage in Kudmura Nando Toli
- ₹7 lakh for a cultural platform in Kudmura Patratoli (Diba Toli)
- ₹7 lakh for a stage near Hanuman temple premises at Keshav Ghar
The announcements were made as part of efforts to improve community facilities and cultural spaces in tribal-dominated areas.
Birsa Munda’s Legacy Highlighted
The Chief Minister said that Birsa Munda, known as “Dharti Aaba,” sacrificed his life at the age of 25 while resisting British rule, exploitation, and forced conversions. He emphasized that Birsa Munda’s legacy continues to inspire the fight for tribal rights and social justice across India.
Focus on Tribal Welfare and Digital Governance
CM Sai highlighted several ongoing welfare initiatives for tribal communities in Chhattisgarh, including:
- Expansion of Atal Digital Service Centres across gram panchayats
- Over 6,000 panchayats already providing digital services like caste, income, and residence certificates
- Plans to extend services to all panchayats in the state
He also noted national initiatives such as:
- PM-JANMAN scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
- Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana covering 6,661 villages in Chhattisgarh
- Recognition of tribal welfare efforts under national leadership initiatives
Government Highlights Welfare and Development Achievements
CM Sai stated that his government has delivered on key promises under “Modi Ki Guarantee,” including:
- Approval of 18 lakh PM Awas units within 24 hours of government formation
- Completion of over 10.6 lakh houses
- Paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal with 21 quintals per acre limit
- Release of two years’ pending farmer bonuses
- Increase in tendu leaf collection rate from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard bag
- Revival of Charan Paduka Yojana and expansion of pilgrimage schemes
Public Service and Energy Relief Measures
The Chief Minister also highlighted citizen-focused initiatives such as:
- Launch of CM Helpline 1076 with over 8,000 officials linked for grievance redressal
- Full waiver of electricity bill surcharge for pending dues
- Subsidies under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for rooftop solar installations
He said over 65,000 households in Chhattisgarh have already adopted rooftop solar systems, significantly reducing electricity costs.
Cultural Participation and Tribute to Tribal Heritage
The programme was also attended by leaders of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, who spoke about Birsa Munda’s role in India’s tribal and national history. Speakers emphasized the importance of preserving tribal heritage and following Birsa Munda’s ideals of social reform and empowerment.
