G. Kishan Reddy Details Tribal Welfare Schemes at Kanha Shanti Vanam Meeting
On Sunday, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy addressed the annual meeting of the Friends of Tribal Society at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Rangareddy district, praising the tribal communities for their vital role in preserving nature. Speaking at the event, Reddy highlighted that India’s civilisation has long been sustained by tribal stewardship of forests, rivers, and biodiversity. He emphasized that tribal life embodies sustainable practices that are central to global climate discussions, while underlining the need to protect tribal identity, dignity, and constitutional rights.
During his speech, the minister outlined several central government welfare initiatives and highlighted a substantial increase in financial allocations for tribal development. He stated that the central government's tribal affairs budget has been raised from around ₹4,000 crore in the 2013–14 financial year to nearly ₹15,000 crore today. He also pointed to the expansion of EMRS residential schools, which are currently providing free education to 1.5 lakh tribal children.
In addition to education and funding, Reddy detailed ongoing cultural and academic projects designed to honour tribal heritage. He highlighted the establishment of the Sammakka-Sarakka Central Tribal University, which is being set up with an investment of about ₹900 crore. He also spoke about the construction of 11 tribal freedom fighter museums across the country, which includes the ₹25-crore Ramji Gond Tribal Museum located in Hyderabad.
The minister also touched upon other key national milestones, such as the central government's decision in 2021 to declare November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. He noted Telangana’s steps under the Forest Rights Act alongside its large-scale scholarships and welfare schemes, emphasizing that development must reach every tribal citizen. Concluding his address, Reddy thanked the members of the Friends of Tribal Society for their dedicated service to tribal welfare and invoked the historical sacrifices of tribal leaders.
