After Prez Murmu’s comment TMC puts on record developmental work by state for tribal people

The Trinamul Congress has claimed that there has been significant development in the north Bengal region for the tribal communities, backed with evidence.

This after President Droupadi Murmu raised concerns about the pace of development in the north Bengal region for the tribal people, speaking at the Bagdogra event.

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She said she was not convinced that development was taking place in the area in the way it should. Questioning the implementation of welfare initiatives, she asked whether the benefits of government schemes were actually reaching tribal communities and whether they were receiving the facilities meant for them.

Reacting to the President’s questions, the Trinamul Congress said in a social media post: “It is extremely unfortunate that the Hon’ble President appears to be under the misinformed impression that there has been no development for Adivasi communities in Bengal. Madam, we would like to respectfully place the facts on record:

1. Under Lakshmir Bhandar, the monthly financial assistance for ST women has been increased by Rs 500, taking the total to Rs 1,700 per month (Rs 20,400 annually)
2. In 2025-26, the Sikhshashree’s cholarship has been provided to 1,09,272 ST students to support their education.
3. Under the Jai Johar scheme, 2,98,315 beneficiaries are receiving a monthly pension of Rs 1,000, ensuring financial security for members of the ST community.
4. GoWB has undertaken an initiative to establish ‘Sidhu Kanu Memorial (Santali Medium) Abasik Schools’, enabling children from the ST community to pursue education in their mother tongue.
5. Around 35,845 persons belonging to the ST community in the Jangalmahal districts are covered under the ‘West Bengal Kendu Leaves Collectors’ Social Security Scheme’, providing crucial social protection.
6. To strengthen livelihoods of women SHG members of the LAMPS, GoWB has provided Rs 30,000 assistance to each SHG in the current financial year. Rs 23.80 crore has already been disbursed to 7,932 SHGs under this initiative.
7. For the development of tribal areas, covering last-mile connectivity, drinking water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, and preservation of cultural heritage, GoWB has undertaken works such as construction of roads, culverts and bridges; installation of hand pumps and solar-based tube wells; repair of ST hostels; construction of community halls, ICDS centres, Jaher Thans and Majhi Thans; and installation of solar street lights. A total of Rs 78.94 crore has been disbursed so far for these initiatives.

“These are measurable, on-ground interventions aimed at ensuring dignity, opportunity, and development for Adivasi communities across Bengal.”