Gumla, 30 December (HS): President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday emphasised the importance of education for the development of tribal communities and urged educated individuals to help people avail the benefits of various government welfare schemes.

Addressing the Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam Samaroh–Kartik Jatra, an interstate folk cultural gathering, the President said education plays a vital role in personality development, creation of opportunities, and promotion of inclusive growth and social justice. The event witnessed participation of people, largely from tribal communities, from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

The President observed that after receiving education, many people prefer to settle in urban areas and do not return to their villages. She urged educated individuals to visit their native places and create awareness about government schemes and their benefits, stating that welfare initiatives can succeed only when people are properly informed.

She said the Centre has been working for inclusive growth of tribal communities to ensure that development reaches the last person in society. Referring to initiatives named after Birsa Munda, she said these schemes aim to benefit not only tribal people but also those still deprived of basic facilities. The government, she added, is working in a mission mode to provide housing, drinking water, roads, schools and other essential amenities.

On the demand for a tribal university in Gumla, the President said she would make efforts in this regard and expressed hope that the state government would address the aspirations of the people.

The programme was attended by the Governors of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

President Murmu is on a three-day visit to Jharkhand. Earlier, she addressed Santali language-related programmes and attended the convocation ceremony of a national-level technical institute. She is scheduled to return to Delhi later in the day.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar