Chandrababu Unveils Tribal Development Push

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday addressed a programme marking International Adivasi Day at Ambedkar Kalavedika, underscoring the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities and outlining a comprehensive roadmap for their development. He said tribals continue to live by worshipping nature while safeguarding their traditions and culture, and that they possess the extraordinary ability to achieve wonders when provided genuine opportunities.

Naidu highlighted the inspiring journey of President Droupadi Murmu as a powerful example. An ordinary Adivasi woman from Odisha, she rose to serve as a minister and governor before reaching the highest constitutional office in the country. “Our determination alone gives us self-confidence and enables us to scale great heights,” the Chief Minister said. He recalled that Murmu herself had demonstrated this by rising from an ordinary background.

Figures such as former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, N.T. Rama Rao and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had similarly emerged from ordinary families, he noted, adding that resolve is the single most important force that brings about change. Calling on citizens to take a firm pledge, Naidu said people should resolve to contribute to the nation’s progress with the mindset of “I, my country, my state, my village and my family.”

With Independence Day approaching, he urged everyone to work with a clear goal of what they can give to society and the nation. Serving the country, he clarified, does not require going to the borders to fight. A tribal farmer improving crop yields, a self-employed woman earning a livelihood, a student, teacher, employee, businessman or labourer performing duties with dedication and excellence is also contributing to the nation.

The Chief Minister stressed that the guiding question should be what one has given to society and the country. Individuals should work for nature, the environment and water conservation. Just as the nation has a vision and the state has one, every person needs a personal vision. He referred to Prime Minister Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision and his own Swarna Andhra vision for 2047. From today, he said, people should draw inspiration from the national flag and work with the slogan “National Flag, Your Agenda.”

Personal success, he added, is an integral part of nation-building, and every hardworking individual is an asset to society. Working for society is the highest form of patriotism, and the success of all citizens is the success of the country.Turning to specific initiatives for tribal welfare, Naidu announced that the international airport at Bhogapuram has been named after Manyam Veerudu Alluri Sitarama Raju. 

He recalled that tribal children performing the traditional Dhimsa dance at the airport’s inauguration had set a Guinness World Record, thereby showcasing the state’s cultural traditions to the world.The Chief Minister said tribals are now producing high-value crops through organic farming rather than traditional podu cultivation. The state has allocated Rs 4,764 crore for the comprehensive development of 27.39 lakh tribal people.

Special focus is being placed on Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) to raise living standards, with emphasis on basic infrastructure, employment, jobs and skill development. Road connectivity is being provided in mission mode to 2,336 tribal habitations. By 2027, every tribal family will be ensured safe drinking water, housing and solar rooftop installations.

Under the Adavi Talli Bata programme, the government has constructed 905 kilometres of roads at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. To eliminate the practice of carrying patients on traditional dholis, feeder ambulances along with 108 and 104 mobile medical units have been deployed. Cell towers are also being set up to improve digital connectivity in tribal areas.Naidu took pride in the success of Araku Coffee, which he said he had initiated 25 years ago and which has now become a global brand. The government is encouraging cultivation across an additional one lakh acres. He said agency areas should develop strong brands for commercial crops such as coffee, pepper and turmeric. 

Prime Minister Modi has promoted Araku Coffee by gifting it to the Australian Prime Minister. The state government is presenting Araku Coffee as a gift to every visiting dignitary, has arranged a stall for it in Parliament, and aims to make it one of the best global brands.The government will provide end-to-end support—from production and processing to branding and marketing—for forest produce and other local products such as Seethampeta turmeric, Rampachodavaram rubber, Parvathipuram pineapple, honey and palm jaggery. Three special districts have been created exclusively for Adivasis to give them greater priority. 

Tourism will be significantly promoted in the lush green tribal regions.Naidu said 19 memoranda of understanding signed on the occasion would benefit 60,000 people. Skill training will be provided to 1.5 lakh tribal youth to create job and self-employment opportunities. Special coaching will prepare them for competitive examinations such as those for the Indian Institutes of Technology and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test so they can compete on equal terms.

He recalled that Government Order No. 3 had earlier ensured local employment preference in tribal areas, but previous rulers had cancelled it due to neglect. The present government is examining alternatives while remaining committed to protecting the rights of Adivasis.The Chief Minister’s address combined celebration of tribal culture and resilience with concrete development commitments, projecting a vision of inclusive growth in which Adivasi communities play a central role in the state’s progress towards Swarna Andhra by 2047.