PNS | DEHRADUN
The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram stated that the Union budget will play a key role in making Uttarakhand stronger and more developed. He described it as a significant step towards empowering tribal regions, including those in Uttarakhand, by ensuring their active participation in the country’s progress.
He expressed confidence that the increased budget allocation will not only benefit tribal communities but also contribute to building a developed India. Addressing a Press conference at the party’s State headquarters on Sunday, Oram called the budget a blueprint for a self-reliant India. He said the budget focuses on the welfare of the poor, farmers, youth and women, with special attention to tribal welfare through improvements in education, livelihood and infrastructure. Referring to his department, he stated that the budget allocation has increased from approximately Rs 4,497 crore in 2014 to Rs 14,925 crore, marking a 45.79 per cent rise compared to the previous year.
He said that the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) has been extended for five years under the Dharti Abha Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan with an allocation of Rs 80,000 crore. He informed that this scheme is expected to bring significant changes. A budget of Rs 79,156 crore has been allocated for the next five years to develop 63,843 villages, including those in Uttarakhand, with Rs 56,333 crore provided by the central government and Rs 22,823 crore by the states. Seventeen ministries will work together to focus on key areas such as healthcare, education, livelihood and skill development in tribal regions.
The budget for PMAAGY has been increased by 163 per cent to Rs 336 crore, aiming to address gaps in education, healthcare and employment infrastructure in tribal areas, including those in Uttarakhand. Under the Prime Minister’s Tribal Development Mission, Rs 380 crore has been allocated to enhance the annual income of tribal communities. He said that the budget includes specific provisions for tribal development with a clear objective. He stated that tribal regions will not only be beneficiaries but also active contributors to India’s development. He claimed that suggestions from the Uttarakhand government will be given priority too.
