Bhubaneswar, November 15: On the occasion of Bhagaban Birsa Munda’s 151st birth anniversary, which is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid tribute to the tribal leader and inaugurated development projects worth Rs 1345 crore for the tribal dominated Sundargarh district. He also laid the foundation for additional projects worth Rs 609 crore.

Majhi highlighted Birsa Munda's significant role in the tribal movement across multiple states, including Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary a national event.

The Chief Minister emphasized the state government’s efforts to empower the tribal community through initiatives like granting forest land rights, providing livelihood support through the Chief Minister’s Tribal Livelihood Mission, and financial assistance under the Shaheed Madho Singh Hatakharcha Scheme to reduce school dropout rates. He also pointed out the empowerment of tribal leaders, including the President of India, as key examples of success.

Prime Minister Modi, while paying tribute to Birsa Munda from Gujarat, also addressed the nation during the occasion.

The event was attended by Deputy Speaker Bhavani Shankar Bhoi, MLAs Sarada Prasad Nayak and Durga Charan Tanti, along with other dignitaries, including District Magistrate Dr. Subhankar Mohapatra and Rourkela Municipal Commissioner Amritpal Kaur.