PM Modi asks ministries, NITI Aayog to frame strategies for tribal areas

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked various ministries to work in coordination to develop strategies for stopping the spread of Left wing extremism and instructed the newly-established NITI Aayog to plan for overall development of tribal areas.

Chairing a meeting on tribal welfare here, Modi described the tribal communities as a great force for national development.

He called for development of strategies to stop the spread of Left wing extremism and said a key role in this has to be played by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

"The Prime Minister said various ministries and wings of the Government of India should work in coordination to achieve this goal," a PMO statement said.

He asked the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to identify growth centres within tribal areas, and ensure proper development of education, health and sports facilities in the country.

One of the key objectives should be to work towards "technology penetration" - for instance, electricity and mobile phone reach - in the tribal areas, Modi said.

Another important objective should be to link relatively undeveloped tribal areas with developed areas through good infrastructure, he added.

He instructed the NITI Aayog to involve relevant research institutions, and eminent experts in all aspects of planning for tribal areas.

Speaking about the cultural aspects of tribal life and their vast repository of ancient knowledge, the Prime Minister urged the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to work towards digital documentation of the same.

He has asked officials to work towards organizing a Tribal Cultural Troupe Carnival, on the lines of the Republic Day Parade.

He has also called for exploring the possibility of online marketing of products produced by tribals through e-commerce platforms.

On health aspects, Modi stressed the need for mapping of sickle cell anaemia among the tribal population on a scientific basis and asked the departments concerned to explore the possibility of a cure for this disease through stem cell therapy.

Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram and senior officials were present on the occasion.