On Birsa Munda’s Birth Anniversary, Celebrating His Fight for Dignity and Tribal Empowerment

Context:

• Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter, symbolised tribal resistance against colonial exploitation and the struggle for dignity, land, and self-rule.

• His birth anniversary on November 15 is commemorated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021, and 2024 marks the beginning of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations, declared as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.

Key Highlights:

Historical Significance & Tribal Legacy

• Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan (Great Rebellion) against British policies, missionary interference, and landlord exploitation.

• Tribal resistance movements were also led by figures like Alluri Sitarama Raju, highlighting a broader Adivasi freedom struggle.

Government Initiatives for Tribal Empowerment

PM-JANMAN Scheme

• Aimed at empowering Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

• Focuses on basic infrastructure, housing, water, sanitation, health, and education.

Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

• Targets 100% saturation of basic services in over 63,000 tribal villages.

• Seeks holistic socio-economic development in tribal-majority regions.

Education & Cultural Preservation

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):

  • 728 schools sanctioned, 479 operational

  • Benefiting over 3.5 lakh tribal students

• Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums:

  • 11 museums sanctioned across 10 states

  • Equipped with digital technology to preserve and disseminate tribal history

Governance & Political Recognition

• Establishment of a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure.

• Formation of tribal-majority states: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand.

• PM Modi became the first Prime Minister to visit Ulihatu, Birsa Munda’s birthplace.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Historical marginalisation and underdevelopment of tribal communities.

• Causes:

  • Colonial exploitation

  • Land alienation

  • Lack of access to education and infrastructure

• Government Initiatives:

  • Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas & Varsh

  • PM-JANMAN Mission

  • Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

  • EMRS expansion

• Benefits:

  • Improved access to education, health, and infrastructure

  • Cultural recognition of tribal contributions

• Challenges:

  • Implementation gaps in remote areas

  • Preserving tribal identity amid development

• Impact:

  • Enhanced tribal dignity

  • Inclusive governance and social justice

Relevant Mains Points:

• Facts & Concepts:

  • Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas: Celebration of tribal heroes’ contributions

  • PVTGs: Most vulnerable tribal communities requiring targeted interventions

  • EMRS: Residential schools ensuring quality education for tribal students

• Society & Governance Dimensions:

  • Shift from welfare to empowerment-based policy approach

  • Integration of tribal development with constitutional values of equality and dignity

• Cultural & Historical Perspective:

  • Recognition of tribal freedom movements as integral to India’s independence struggle

• Way Forward:

  • Strengthen last-mile delivery of schemes in tribal areas

  • Promote community participation in development planning

  • Balance infrastructure development with cultural preservation

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 1: Modern Indian History, Indian Society

• GS 2: Governance, Social Justice, Welfare Schemes

• Prelims: Birsa Munda, PVTGs, EMRS, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas