Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said at the launch of the National Tribal Dance Festival that tribal culture is deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh and that the state is working to become a world forum for tribals. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Baghel stated that the National Tribal Dance Festival is an effort to preserve tribals’ rich cultural heritage.
This festival, he said, aims to bring the world’s tribals together on one platform so that they can connect with one another, cherish their culture, and move forward. “We are moving toward making Chhattisgarh the world forum for tribals,” he said.
“Chhattisgarh has a strong tribal culture. In the last three years, our government has taken several initiatives and launched numerous schemes to ensure the overall development of tribals.” He stated that the state government is committed to reserving seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
“We have petitioned the Supreme Court against the Chhattisgarh High Court’s cancellation of the 58% reservation,” the Chief Minister said. According to Baghel, Chhattisgarh has the highest minor forest produce procurement, accounting for 73% of the country’s total procurement.
“The tribes are now receiving fair prices for their forest produce. We are purchasing 75 forest products at MSP and have been successful in creating a better market for them through value addition. Tribals have been granted forest rights in order to help them move forward fearlessly and with dignity “The Chief Minister stated. Baghel stated, “We are the state with the most Individual and Community Forest Rights Certificates. On 52 lakh acres of forest land, there are 4,35,000 individual and 35,000 community certificates.”
Chhattisgarh has taken a significant step in ensuring that tribals living in remote areas have access to nutritious food through the millet mission, he added.
