The Prime Minister has described the tribal communities of India as a great force for national development. Chairing a high-level review on tribal welfare on Tuesday, the Prime Minister called for the development of strategies to stop the spread of Left Wing Extremism. He 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. Shri Narendra Modi has 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. The Prime Minister said one of the key objectives should be to work towards "technology penetration" - for instance, electricity and mobile phone reach - in the tribal areas. Another important objective should be to link relatively undeveloped tribal areas with developed areas through good infrastructure. Speaking of 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. The Prime Minister 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, the Prime Minister stressed the need for mapping of sickle cell anaemia among the tribal population, on a scientific basis. The Prime Minister has also called for concerned departments to explore the possibility of a cure for this disease through stem cell therapy. The Prime Minister instructed the NITI Aayog to involve relevant research institutions, and eminent experts in all aspects of planning for tribal areas. Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and senior officials were present on the occasion.
