VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has pledged to eradicate poverty among tribal communities through a comprehensive plan. Speaking at the World Tribal Day celebrations, Naidu expressed his concern over the challenging conditions faced by tribal people, who still use slings (dolis) to transport patients during medical emergencies despite advances in technology. He assured that these conditions would soon improve.
Naidu emphasized a targeted approach to eliminate poverty among tribals, announcing the creation of study circles for Adivasis in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati to support the community’s upliftment. Addressing a gathering of tribals for World Adivasi Day, he reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to the welfare of these marginalized groups.
At the event, Naidu participated in the Thimsa dance with tribal women and presented a saree to the Goddess revered by the Adivasis. He introduced the ‘Chaitanyam 2.0’ (Awareness-2.0) program, aimed at the comprehensive development of tribal communities. He also promised to provide road connectivity to 2,191 tribal villages and ensure safe drinking water for every tribal household, with an investment of Rs 2,373 crore.
Naidu emphasized that his government would avoid discriminatory politics, pledging to recover and redirect public funds misappropriated by leaders of the previous YSRC government towards the welfare of the poor.
He also announced plans to promote organic products and increase the production of Araku coffee. Naidu committed Rs 500 crore for the completion of the Paderu Medical College and revealed plans to establish a museum in Lambasingi to honor freedom fighters.
Expressing deep concern over persistent poverty among Adivasis, Naidu stressed the need for immediate action. He highlighted the recent District Selection Committee (DSC) recruitments to fill 16,347 vacant posts and promised free coaching for Adivasi candidates preparing for these exams.
Criticizing the previous government for withdrawing several welfare programs, Naidu assured that his administration would reinstate these schemes more effectively. He also announced the upcoming establishment of Anna Canteens in tribal areas and informed the gathering that the Land Titling Act had been revoked to prevent illegal land grabs, which he attributed to the previous government’s attempts to exploit innocent individuals.