The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is being observed today to recognise the rights, cultures, traditions and contributions of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. The day was established by the United Nations in 1994 to promote awareness of Indigenous rights and protect their cultural and traditional knowledge systems. The theme this year is “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being,” highlighting the important role of Indigenous midwives in maternal care, childbirth and community health.
In Andhra Pradesh, the day was observed in Guntur under the aegis of the State Tribal Welfare Department. Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, attended the programme.
Paying tributes to tribal freedom fighters, including Alluri Sitarama Raju and Birsa Munda, Dr. Pemmasani said their sacrifices and struggle for tribal rights should always be remembered. He said the Centre and the State governments are implementing several schemes for the development of tribal areas, including PM-JANMAN and Jal Jeevan Mission aimed at improving road connectivity and providing drinking water in remote tribal habitations.
Dr. Pemmasani said around 625 tribal villages have been provided road connectivity in the first phase under PM JANMAN, while road projects worth one thousand 120 crore rupees are being planned in the second phase. He said efforts are also underway to provide tribal communities with ration cards, housing documents, education and hostel facilities. Tribal leaders were felicitated during the programme.
