Tribal University In Jhargram, More Welfare Benefits: Suvendu Adhikari Makes Big Announcements On Birsa Munda Jayanti

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced forest land titles, welfare benefits and a proposed tribal university, while promising to address concerns over tribal identity, culture and employment.

Post Published By: Pradeep Tripathi
Updated : 15 November 2026, 7:55 PM IST
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Jhargram: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said his government had distributed forest land titles to 770 tribal people and collected the necessary data to extend the process across 1,237 identified forest villages. He also promised to address concerns of tribal communities related to land rights, language, culture and employment.

Speaking at an event in Jangalmahal to mark the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, observed across the country as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Adhikari assured the gathering that his government would work towards fulfilling their aspirations.

“We will fulfil your aspirations concerning language, culture and land rights,” he said.

Adhikari Targets Previous TMC Government

The chief minister accused former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of engaging with tribal women primarily for photographs. He also alleged that the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government had issued Scheduled Tribe certificates to individuals who did not belong to tribal communities.

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“We will ensure that such do not recur,” he said, adding that 73 people had been apprehended for allegedly obtaining caste certificates by falsely claiming tribal status.

Adhikari also announced that members of the Sabar community would receive benefits under state welfare schemes meant for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), despite the community not being covered under the national programme.

Tribal University And Better Healthcare In Jhargram

The chief minister said all eligible beneficiaries under the Lokprasar Shilpi allowance scheme would be enrolled by December 31. He also promised to increase the allowance in the next state Budget.

Among the major announcements was a proposal to establish a tribal university in Jhargram, along with improvements to government hospitals in the district.

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“It is my duty to ensure that educated youths get jobs as per their eligibility,” Adhikari said, emphasising employment opportunities for educated tribal youth.

Birsa Munda's Legacy And Political Remarks

Adhikari credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with starting the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in 2021 to recognise the contributions of tribal communities. He also highlighted Droupadi Murmu's election as India's first tribal woman President during the BJP-led government's tenure.

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Accusing the TMC of voting against Murmu in the presidential election, he told the gathering, “You (the tribals) know who your friends are and who your foes are.”

He further claimed that his ministry had more tribal ministers than any state government since Independence and thanked voters for electing BJP candidates from 16 Scheduled Tribe-reserved Assembly constituencies.

Projects Worth Over Rs 322 Crore Announced

During the event, Adhikari laid the foundation stones for 137 projects worth Rs 274.43 crore in Jhargram district. These include 73 roads, nine school development projects and eight hostels.

He also inaugurated 51 completed projects worth Rs 47.59 crore, covering 13 roads, 10 anganwadi centres and six school development works, among other initiatives.

 

Location :  New Delhi

Published :  15 November 2026, 7:54 PM IST

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