PM warns of action against those who "snatch" tribal rights

Natural resources in forests should not be exploited at the cost of tribals living there, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, warning those who "snatch" their rights of stringent action.
Inaugurating the first-ever national tribal carnival, Modi said natural resources are mostly in forested areas which are inhabited by tribals and, while pursuing development goals, mineral resources should not be extracted in a way which is detrimental to their interests.
"There is need to extract iron ore, coal but it should not be done at the cost of tribals," he said.
He said no one should get the opportunity to "snatch" away the rights of the tribals, and those who do, will face stringent action.

The Prime minister said, in the past, while iron ore and coal were extracted, tribal people of mineral bearing areas never benefited from it. He said following the introduction of a scheme to impose cess, the money so collected is now being utilised to expand facilities, including infrastructure, to benefit the tribals.
The government, Modi said, is now pushing for advanced technology which ensures that the environment is not severely affected in the process of mining.

Gasification of coal in underground facilities at the excavation sites is helping control pollution and damage to the health of the people in surrounding areas.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister also pitched for start-ups to brand and export tribal goods to domestic and foreign markets.
Pushing for digital transactions, Modi said, "Everyone
has right to use his or her money and no one stops them. It is not necessary you should have cash as one can spend using digital technology also."
Shopping through mobile is simple just like sending a whatsapp message, he said
"We should promote use of technology in transaction to bring transparency," he said, adding around 500 cities can do this in a short duration.
He said the municipal corporations have collected Rs 13000 crore tax after demonetisation.

"I got details about municipal corporations in some cities. Earlier they used to get Rs 3000-3500 crore tax and after November 8 they have collected Rs 13000 crore tax. This money will be used for development like construction of roads and electricity supply," the Prime Minister said.
Speaking at the release of two books - 'Updated Edition of Constitution of India' and 'Making of the Constitution', Modi said it is important to be connected with the "spirit of the Constitution" rather then just being aware of its various articles.
The Prime Minister also emphasised on the importance of the younger generation having a "connect" with the Constitution and its ideals.

He said when the Constitution is read again, it is in the present context and a "progressive unfoldment" takes place.