Tribals’ uplift my priority: CM

In a significant address during the World Adivasi Day celebrations at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu declared poverty eradication among tribals as a top priority of his administration. Speaking to a large gathering, Naidu outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming the lives of tribal communities across the state.
The Chief Minister announced a series of initiatives, including the introduction of the Chaitanyam 2.0 Programme, which is set to enhance tribal development. Key components of the plan include improving road connectivity to 2,191 tribal villages, ensuring clean drinking water access to every tribal household with a Rs 2,373 crore allocation, and establishing study circles for tribal students in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati.
Naidu expressed his concern over the continued use of makeshift stretchers (Doli) in tribal areas while the world advances with technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
He vowed to address these disparities and transform the living conditions of tribal communities.
The Chief Minister actively engaged with the tribal community by participating in the Dhimsa dance and presenting a saree to the deity honored by the tribes. He reiterated his commitment to eradicating poverty and emphasized that no section of society would face discrimination under his government.
In addition to these measures, Naidu revealed plans for the completion of the Paderu Medical College with an investment of Rs 500 crore and the establishment of a museum at Lambasingi to honor freedom fighters. He also promised to promote organic products and support the Araku coffee industry.
Addressing concerns about past government inefficiencies, Naidu pledged to recover misappropriated public funds from previous administrations and redirect them towards welfare programs. The Chief Minister also announced that free coaching would be provided for Adivasi candidates in the upcoming District Selection Committee (DSC) exams, with a total of 16,347 vacant posts to be filled.
Naidu criticized the previous government for withdrawing welfare schemes and affirmed that these programs would be reinstated and improved. He also highlighted the revocation of the Land Titling Act to prevent illegal land grabs and announced the forthcoming establishment of Anna Canteens in tribal areas to support local communities.
The Chief Minister concluded by underscoring his commitment to changing the impoverished conditions that have persisted among Adivasi communities and ensuring equitable development across the state.