Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar announced that an award for adivasi literature would be instituted on the lines of the Annabhau Sathe award for Dalit literature.
He was speaking at the World Adivasi Day celebrations held by the adivasi development department. Adivasi minister Madhukar Pichad, medical education minister Dr Vijaykumar Gavit, MPs Harishchandra Chavan and Samir Bhujbal and others also were present during the programme, which included the inauguration of Adivasi Sanskruti Parishad.
Mr Pawar further stated that the government was endeavouring to make the lives of adivasis happy by making education, employment, health and shelter facilities available to them. “The government has begun implementing various schemes based on economical, geographical, educational and cultural levels. Maharashtra is the first state in India to give funds proportionate to their population and this has proved to be a very progressive step. The state has earmarked `4,177.48 crore for adivasi development and schemes,” Mr Pawar said.
“Due to development, the life of adivasis has changed. The children of adivasis, who lived for hundreds of years in jungles, are now at the forefront in this modern world. Adivasi students, who are studying IT, engineering or medicine, will be given free laptops by the government,” Mr Pawar announced.
As special measures for the adivasi girl child, Mr Pawar said that an amount would be deposited in her name that the girl would get when she marries.
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Tribute to freedom fighters on Quit India anniversary
Mumbai: Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Friday joined the nation in paying tribute to the martyrs of the freedom struggle on the 71st anniversary of the launch of the Quit India Movement. Mahatma Gandhi had launched the Quit India Movement from the August Kranti Maidan, on this day in 1942. The CM laid wreath at the martyrs memorial in the Maidan, earlier known as Gowalia Tank, in south Mumbai. Freedom fighters and leaders of political parties were among those present. Mr Chavan announced that the RGJAY health scheme will soon be extended to cover all districts in the state.