Quick Glance
- Amit Shah clarified that tribal communities remain outside the purview of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
- He said the tribal welfare budget increased from ₹28,000 crore to ₹1.5 lakh crore under the Modi government.
- Shah accused certain groups of spreading misinformation regarding UCC and tribal rights.
- The Union Minister highlighted welfare schemes, PESA implementation, and tribal empowerment initiatives.
Agartala/New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that the Narendra Modi government has dramatically expanded financial support for tribal welfare and protected tribal communities from the scope of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Addressing the ‘Janjati Sanskriti Samagam’ in New Delhi during the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Shah said the Centre remains committed to safeguarding tribal identity, culture, and constitutional rights.
Amit Shah Clarifies Government Stand on UCC
A major portion of Shah’s speech focused on the Uniform Civil Code issue. He alleged that some organisations and political groups were creating confusion among tribal communities regarding the proposed law.
Rejecting the allegations, Shah clarified that the Modi government has already ensured tribal communities remain outside the scope of the UCC. He asserted that no tribal customs, traditions, or cultural practices would face interference under the law.
The Home Minister specifically referred to the implementation of the UCC in Gujarat and Uttarakhand. He said the government introduced special provisions in both states to exempt tribal communities from its purview.
Shah urged people not to believe rumours or misinformation spread over the issue. He said the Centre respects the traditions, faith, and social systems of tribal societies.
Shah Highlights Increase in Tribal Welfare Spending
Speaking before a large gathering in New Delhi, Amit Shah said the Modi government has placed tribal welfare at the centre of its development agenda. He claimed previous governments allocated only around ₹28,000 crore for tribal development. However, the present government increased the allocation to nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore.
According to Shah, the higher budget allocation has accelerated development in tribal-dominated regions across India, including several states in the North East. He said the funding has strengthened healthcare, education, rural infrastructure, housing, drinking water supply, and electrification in remote tribal belts.
Shah also underlined that tribal communities now receive greater institutional support through targeted welfare programmes. He said the Centre has focused on improving the quality of life in forest and hill areas where tribal populations largely reside.
Tribal Welfare Budget Growth
| Period | Tribal Welfare Allocation |
|---|---|
| Previous Central Governments | ₹28,000 crore |
| Narendra Modi Government | ₹1.5 lakh crore |
Government Lists Major Tribal Welfare Schemes
The Home Minister highlighted several flagship programmes launched for tribal communities. He said the government established 722 Eklavya Model Residential Schools to improve access to education for tribal students.
He also mentioned health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh under central schemes. Besides, he referred to housing assistance, tap water connections, free food grain support, and rural electrification drives.
Shah stated that the government wants tribal families to benefit equally from welfare programmes available across the country. He added that development must reach forests, hilly regions, and remote settlements without delay.
Focus on Tribal Identity and Cultural Protection
During his address, Shah repeatedly stressed the importance of preserving tribal identity and indigenous traditions. He described tribal communities as protectors of forests, rivers, and ecological balance.
He said tribal culture represents one of the best examples of sustainable living. According to him, tribal societies have preserved environmental harmony for generations while protecting natural resources.
The Union Minister also appealed to tribal communities to remain united and connected to their cultural roots. He said such unity would strengthen both tribal society and the nation.
PESA Act Implementation Gets Attention
Shah also highlighted steps taken by the government to strengthen self-governance in tribal areas through the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, commonly known as the PESA Act.
He said the Centre established a dedicated PESA Cell and trained more than one lakh master trainers to improve implementation. The government also translated PESA rules into tribal languages such as Santhali, Gondi, Bhili, and Mundari.
According to Shah, the Centre launched digital monitoring systems to improve transparency and grassroots participation in tribal governance. He added that stronger local governance would empower tribal communities further.
North East Tribal Communities Remain Key Stakeholders
The remarks carry significance for tribal-dominated states in the North East, including Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. Political discussions around tribal rights, constitutional safeguards, and development often influence regional politics in these states.
In Tripura, tribal welfare and autonomy remain politically sensitive issues, especially in areas governed under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Shah’s statement on UCC exemptions may attract attention among indigenous communities in the region.
Call for Unity and Developed India Vision
Concluding his speech, Shah appealed to tribal communities to contribute towards building a developed India by 2047. He said the preservation of tribal traditions and participation in national development can progress together.
He also praised organisations working among tribal populations and said their contribution has strengthened social harmony and national integration.
People Also Ask
What did Amit Shah say about the tribal welfare budget?
Amit Shah said the Modi government increased the tribal welfare allocation from ₹28,000 crore to ₹1.5 lakh crore to improve development and welfare programmes in tribal regions.
Are tribal communities included in the Uniform Civil Code?
According to Amit Shah, tribal communities remain outside the purview of the Uniform Civil Code, and special provisions protect their traditional rights and customs.
What schemes has the government launched for tribal welfare?
The government has introduced Eklavya Model Schools, health insurance schemes, housing support, tap water projects, electrification drives, and food security programmes for tribal communities.