Government is Working to Strengthen Forest-Based Livelihoods and Increase Income for Tribal Communities: CM Sai

Raipur, March 28

There is a deep connection between tribal communities and forests, with both being preserved and enriched as complementary elements. The development of tribal society has occurred generation after generation in the lap of nature. This workshop, focusing on the coexistence of tribals and forests, will pave the way for their progress. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai addressed the workshop on forest-based livelihood opportunities for tribal communities, organized jointly by NITI Aayog and the Department of Forest and Climate Change in Nawa Raipur.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed all the intellectuals, subject experts, and officials attending the workshop. He emphasized that it is our collective responsibility to provide adequate livelihood opportunities to tribal communities. He mentioned that 32% of Chhattisgarh’s population consists of tribal communities, and 44% of the area is covered by forests.

The Chief Minister shared his experience of observing the struggles and hardships of tribal communities, particularly those of the particularly disadvantaged tribes, over his more than 35 years in public life. He mentioned how former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee understood the plight of the tribal people and formed Chhattisgarh as a separate state, which was primarily tribal. Shri Sai stated that Atal Ji also established a separate ministry for tribal welfare, ensuring the proper utilization of funds sent by the central government for the welfare of tribal people. Thanks to Atal Ji’s efforts, new dimensions of development were set in Chhattisgarh.

Chief Minister Shri Sai also highlighted the efforts made under the leadership of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh, who implemented a wide-reaching Public Distribution System (PDS) in the state to ensure no one went hungry. He also started the procurement of forest produce at minimum support prices, strengthening the economic condition of tribals.

Shri Sai stated that Chhattisgarh has abundant minor forest produce, with 67 types of minor forest produce being collected, processed, and sold through women’s self-help groups. These groups are becoming economically stronger by taking advantage of the policies related to forest produce, introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

He also thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the PM-Janman scheme and the Earth Aba Tribal Village Development Campaign, specifically designed for the upliftment and livelihood enhancement of vulnerable tribal groups. Shri Sai mentioned that these schemes are benefitting tribal-majority villages. On this occasion, Shri Sai shared information about various schemes operated by the Chhattisgarh government for the development of tribal communities.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the joint workshop by NITI Aayog and the Forest Department would connect tribal communities with technology and innovation, helping to strengthen their economic position.

Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap emphasized the significance of today’s workshop, organized with the support of NITI Aayog, on a relevant and important subject. He stated that the implementation of schemes for tribal communities is now accelerating, and the systems in forest-dwelling areas have been strengthened. He stressed the need for proper utilization of forest resources in an environmentally balanced manner and the creation of job opportunities.

At the workshop, NITI Aayog Advisor Shri Surendra Mehta, Principal Secretary Shri Sonamani Bora, and Forest Force Chief Shri V. Srinivas Rao shared their views. Also present were APCCF Shri Shalini Raina, NITI Aayog Director Shri Amit Verma, senior officials of the Forest Department, and intellectuals, subject experts, and officials from states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka.

Chief Minister Shri Sai Inspects Forest Produce-Based Stalls

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai also visited the forest produce-based stalls set up at the Aranya Bhawan complex. The team from Leaf Plate Technology, Hyderabad, presented a leaf-made dinner set to the Chief Minister. During this, Shri B. R. Rao from Bhopalpatnam, Bijapur district, shared that he has been conserving seeds of medicinal plants for the past 35 years and distributing free seeds under his “From Pots to Forests” campaign. The Chief Minister appreciated Shri Rao’s efforts and extended congratulations and best wishes. Members from the Bamboo Processing Center in Amarwa, Baloda Bazar district, presented a bamboo craft bouquet to the Chief Minister and informed him about the activities being carried out at the center. Shri Sai also visited stalls from Lakh Producer Farmer Committee, Kanker, Chhattisgarh Herbal, and Jashpur FPC, engaging in discussions with the group members.