New Delhi Feb 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Union government is putting in all efforts on promoting the tribal arts and enhancing the skills of tribal youth of the country.

Speaking after inaugurating the national tribal festival-Aadi Mahotsav at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here, Modi said that “Tribal children may be in any corner of the country, their education and their future is the priority of the BJP government”.

“New tribal research institutes are being opened in the country. These efforts are creating new opportunities for the tribal youth in their own area” he said.

Talking about the Eklavya Schools, the Prime Minister said, between 2004 and 2014 only 90 ‘Eklavya Schools’ were opened whereas from 2014 to 2022 the NDA Government has approved more than 500 ‘Eklavya Schools’.

“Out of these, studies have started in more than 400 schools and more than one lakh tribal students have enrolled in these schools” he said.

The Prime Minister also emphasized on the infrastructure work being carried out in tribal areas and said, “A better infrastructure is being built in tribal areas and thousands of villages in the country which were earlier affected by Left Wing Extremism are being connected with 4G connectivity”.

“The youth here are now connecting with the mainstream through the internet and infrastructure. Today, more than 80 lakh self-help groups are working in different states, in which more than 1.25 crore members are our tribal brothers and sisters and a large number of them are our mothers and sisters ” he added.

Touching upon the New Education Policy he said the Tribal youth used to face a lot of difficulties due to language barriers, but now the option of studying in the mother tongue has also been given in the new National Education Policy.

The Prime Minister said Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana has been launched in this year’s budget which will provide financial assistance, skill training, and marketing support for tribal communities.

During the event Prime Minister Modi also paid floral tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.

After inauguration Prime Minister Modi visited the various stalls put up by various states and UTs to interact with tribal artisans and view their hand looms, handicrafts and tribal products.

The aim of the national tribal festival will be to showcase the rich and diverse heritage of tribes from across the country in over 200 stalls at the venue.

Around 1000 tribal artisans are participating in the Mahotsav.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Aadi Mahotsav, which celebrates the spirit of tribal culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce and traditional art, is an annual initiative of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

This year, it is being organised from February 16- 27 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.

“Since 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets, along with usual attractions like handicrafts, handloom, pottery, jewellery etc, a special focus in the Mahotsav will be on showcasing Shree Anna grown by tribals,” the statement said.