Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, inaugurated a two-day tribal orientation programme - Adi Vyakhyan – in New Delhi today. The programme has been organized by the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI), with an objective to have a deeper understanding of complexities of tribal traditions and culture and to explore the challenges to their existence.  This is an initiative to explore tribal identity and the tribal contributions to the nation’s cultural diversity.

The Adi Vyakhyan will familiarize the tribal communities with the statistical input of India and the Constitutional safeguards in order to unfold the nuances of the Panchayats (Extension of Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act, 1996, the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, Prevention of SC/STs Atrocities Act, 1989. It is expected to provide valuable insights into the legal frameworks that shape tribal governance and land rights and will set the stage for a deeper understanding for tribal people. Representatives of Munda communities from 5 states (Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam) actively participated in the inaugural programme.

Delivering the inaugural address, Shri Arjun Munda emphasised upon tribal identity, their recognition and conservation. He stated that tribal language and literature are important for preserving tribal identity. The Minister highlighted the efforts made by the government for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), including the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) initiative for the upliftment of tribal people. Shri Munda also applauded Adi Manthan for furthering discussion on FRA, 2006; PESA, 1996; Prevention of SC/STs Atrocities Act, 1989 and the need of research institutes like NTRI to spread awareness among the tribal community. The Minister further emphasised the need to apprise the tribal folk about the provisions in Constitution of India related to them.  He acknowledged the need to relook and rethink about past, present and future for the welfare of tribal communities.

Prof. Nupur Tiwary, Spl. Director NTRI, gave an outline of the orientation programme and said that Adi Vyakhyan is an important initiative to stimulate discussion and interaction with the tribal communities in India. Shri Etwa Munda, President, Bharat Munda Samaj highlighted that such seminars will help in preserving and conserving the language and culture of Tribals and will help them to guide future generations. Smt. Ruplaxmi Munda, Vice President, Bharat Munda Samaj highlighted the women progress and their challenges in tribal society. For her, Adi Vyakhyan discussion could serve as a platform for emancipation of Tribal women.

The Orientation program will showcase the best practices in tribal development under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA). Furthermore, there will be a visit to Kala Nidhi and the Tribal Museum led by the NTRI, offering a valuable glimpse into the cultural richness of our tribal heritage.

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