Tribal communities are heirs to pure mind and culture: Minister Satyakumar Yadav

The newly appointed ST Commission Chairman Solli Bojji Reddy assumed charge at the R and B Buildings office in Vijayawada. An appreciation meeting featuring Girijan traditions took place at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram. Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, MLC Somu Veerraju, SC Commission Chairman K S Jawahar and MLA Miriyala Sirisha attended.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Satyakumar Yadav congratulated Bojji Reddy and the newly appointed members. He stated that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu entrusted the commission with significant responsibility and expressed confidence that the new leadership will work for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. He said previous administrations neglected tribal welfare and stressed the need to safeguard the rights of ST, SC and BC communities through their respective commissions.

The Minister highlighted the historic decision during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when a dedicated ministry for Scheduled Tribes was created with the support of Chandrababu Naidu. He added that strengthening constitutional safeguards led to the establishment of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, which investigates injustice and exploitation.

The Minister said that the government marked the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda with 15 days of special programs. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to honor tribal heritage. He added that budget allocations for tribal welfare grew significantly from 4200 crore in 2013-14 to 14956 crore for 2025-26. Investments in housing, education, health and infrastructure are aimed at improving living standards. He said Ekalavya Model Residential Schools increased from 119 to 740 within five years.

SC Commission Chairman Jawahar said Bojji Reddy’s appointment to a constitutional post is welcome and expressed confidence that coordination between the SC and ST Commissions will improve outcomes.

MLC Somu Veerraju extended his greetings and said that Bojji Reddy will work consistently for the protection of Scheduled Tribes.

MLA Miriyala Sirisha said development programs in agency areas will be expanded with support from the ST Commission.

Officials from the SC and ST departments and students from Gurukulam schools attended.