12 November,2026 10:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/ PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually address a programme in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on November 15 as part of events marking the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, state minister Ashok Uike said on Thursday.
The state government is observing 'Bhagwan Birsa Munda Gaurav Week' from November 11 to 18 to promote the social, educational, economic and cultural development of Scheduled Tribes, Uike told PTI.
Modi will address the state-level programme in Gadchiroli district through a video conference on November 15, the Tribal Development Minister said.
India observes November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a tribal freedom fighter who led resistance against British colonial rule.
According to PTI, the BJP has launched a week-long programme on Wednesday to mark Munda's birth anniversary across the country.
State minister Ashish Shelar said the week-long celebrations would include the distribution of financial assistance to beneficiaries under the Nucleus Budget scheme, support for women's self-help groups, cleanliness drives and the illumination of memorials dedicated to tribal leaders, PTI reported.
The government will also organise camps on November 16 to help people obtain Aadhaar cards and other official documents. Health and nutrition awareness programmes will follow on November 17.
November 18 will be observed as Tribal Economic, Educational and Social Empowerment Day, with special programmes planned for women's self-help groups, Shelar said.
Highlighting initiatives undertaken by the state government over the past two years for tribal communities, Shelar said more than 3,000 teachers had been appointed on a contractual basis in tribal residential schools due to restrictions on regular recruitment.
Attendants have also been appointed in residential schools in tribal areas to look after students' health, he said.
The government has introduced a scholarship scheme in the name of tribal leader Veer Raghoji Bhangare for meritorious students.
It has also established competitive examination coaching centres for tribal students in every district, Shelar said.
A survey based on the 2011 Census has been undertaken to assess the population and requirements of tribal communities, PTI reported.
The government has also decided to establish university-level study centres to research tribal culture, traditions and history, he added.
(With PTI inputs)
