Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Emphasizes Tribal Progress as Key to State Development

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asserted that the holistic development of the state hinges on the progress of tribal communities. Speaking at the World Tribal Day celebrations held at Vanjangi, Paderu Mandal, ASR District, on Saturday, the Chief Minister stressed that awakening greater awareness among tribals would unlock unstoppable development.

Recalling the legacy of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao (NTR), who laid the foundation for tribal welfare, Naidu pledged to continue these efforts with renewed vigor. He noted that a past government order (GO No. 3) securing jobs for local tribals in agency areas had been revoked due to previous administrative lapses. To counter this, the current government is preparing alternative measures to safeguard tribal interests.

A Day of Cultural and Developmental Significance

The Chief Minister began the day by offering prayers at the Forest Goddess Modakondamma Temple, followed by visits to nearby coffee plantations and tribal product stalls. He witnessed vibrant traditional festivities and reviewed ongoing tourism development projects with officials.

Expressing his delight to be among the “sons of the hills,” Naidu said, “Today is special — it marks both International Tribal Day and Rakhi Purnima, celebrating sibling bonds. Being here fills me with joy. The agency area’s natural beauty, with its green hills and serene landscapes, is awe-inspiring. If reborn, I would wish to be born here.” He lamented past neglect of tribal areas and reiterated his commitment to continue the developmental path initiated by NTR.

Welfare Schemes and Infrastructure Initiatives

Highlighting government welfare measures, Naidu detailed extensive programs aimed at uplifting tribals:

• Nearly 8.41 lakh tribal families benefit from monthly NTR Bharosa pensions, with an annual outlay of ₹1,595 crore.
• Free electricity of 200 units is provided to 4.82 lakh tribal households monthly, and a scheme to install free solar rooftops is in the pipeline.
• Education initiatives include the Thalliki Vandhanam scheme, through which ₹642 crore has been transferred directly to mothers’ accounts for educating 4.86 lakh tribal students. Annual spending on education in tribal areas stands at ₹1,337 crore.
• Skill development centers train tribal youth in tourism, handicrafts, food processing, and e-commerce. Recently, ₹45 crore was released to build 373 new school buildings.

On healthcare, the Chief Minister stated, “We are investing thousands of crores to improve tribal medical facilities, including five multi-speciality hospitals costing ₹482 crore. Monthly pensions and nutritional support are provided to sickle cell patients and pregnant women, and ambulance services have been strengthened.”

Promoting Tribal Economy and Infrastructure

Naidu urged that Araku coffee gain global recognition, highlighting its cultivation over 2.58 lakh acres supporting 2.46 lakh people. Efforts are underway to expand plantations by an additional one lakh acres. Tribal farmers also cultivate mango, cashew, jackfruit, and saffron, marking a significant agricultural diversification.

Infrastructure development is a priority to ease tribal hardships. The government has laid 269 km of BT roads connecting 203 tribal villages under the National Highways Authority at a cost of ₹200 crore, with ₹8,570 crore more invested for 515 km of highway projects in tribal districts.

To prepare tribal youth for competitive exams, study circles costing ₹4.5 crore are being established in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati. Residential school buildings are being converted into hostels with ₹150 crore invested. Construction of a government medical college and hospital is underway in Paderu, along with administrative reforms for better governance.

Commitment Amid Challenges

Despite financial constraints, Naidu assured continued implementation of key welfare schemes. From August 15, free RTC bus travel will be extended to women, including tribal women, under the Sthree Shakti scheme. Anna Canteens operate across the state, with seven in agency areas. Teacher recruitment through Mega DSC will be completed soon. MoUs worth ₹10 lakh crore in investments have been signed, expected to create nine lakh jobs, with 5,000 tribal women targeted to earn ₹1 lakh annually.

Vision for Tribal Education and Tourism

The Tribal University being constructed on 519 acres in Vizianagaram is set for early completion, alongside the Tribal Engineering College at Kurupam. Araku, Lambasingi, and Maredumilli are earmarked for development as tourism clusters, with plans to establish 1,000 homestays supported financially. The Modakondamma Temple in Paderu will receive ₹2 crore for development, and 96 Anganwadi centres will be set up to improve women and child welfare.

Under the PM Gramin Awaas Yojana, 54,000 houses will be sanctioned for tribals in Visakhapatnam district. Roads to all 1,483 tribal habitations will be completed with an investment of ₹2,850 crore.

Concluding his address, Chief Minister Naidu reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to uplifting tribal communities and ensuring inclusive development that honors their culture, knowledge, and contributions to the state’s progress.