Guwahati, Nov 15 (PTI) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said that over 12 crore adivasi people have benefitted from various government schemes in the last ten years under the BJP-led NDA dispensation at the Centre.

Joining the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ celebration at the tribal village of Barbakra near Rani, on the outskirts of Guwahati, Sonowal said the rich heritage of tribals and their contribution towards nation-building are being recognised now, according to an official release.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, more than 12 crore adivasi people of India benefitted from multiple government welfare schemes since 2014,” he said.

Referring to the ‘Vikshit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ that was launched earlier in the day by the prime minister, Sonowal said the programme is targeted to create awareness about various welfare schemes.

“People will be made aware of the benefits of welfare schemes like sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing for the poor, food security, proper nutrition, reliable healthcare, clean drinking water, etc,” he said.

Sonowal, the Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways, said the government has been working on ensuring equal opportunity for all, irrespective of social, political, cultural or economic background.

“This will enable an ecosystem that is self-sustaining and will propel us to achieve the goal of becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047,” he said.

He paid floral tributes to Birsa Munda, the tribal icon whose birth anniversary is celebrated as the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas', at the village.

Sonowal also relished a sumptuous meal, with many dishes from adivasi cuisine, during his visit to the village, the release added. PTI SSG BDC