Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Issues Slew Of Directives On Tribal Welfare, Including On Education, Land Rights & Water Supply

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis convened a crucial gathering on Wednesday to deliberate on a multitude of tribal welfare matters, encompassing education, land rights, rehabilitation, water supply, Aadhaar registration, and labor welfare, in Mumbai. This meeting transpired a day following tribal community members halting their march to the Maharashtra secretariat in Mumbai, seeking better educational facilities and settlement of pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, among other grievances.

During the meeting, Fadnavis directed various departments to prepare comprehensive proposals and time-bound action plans to expedite the resolution of these pressing issues. The Chief Minister emphasized the significance of free education for tribal students until the age of 18, provision of scholarships to eligible beneficiaries, and maintenance of sanitation standards in school premises. Additionally, he stressed the importance of addressing the barriers faced by students from tribal communities.

A specific campaign to resolve valid land rights claims by December 15, 2026, was also announced. The government aims to expedite the clearance of pending land rights claims through collective individual Gram Sabha committees. Furthermore, rehabilitation plans for families rescued from bonded labor in six districts - Thane, Palghar, Nashik, Pune, Raigad, and Ahilyanagar - are under preparation. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the implementation of these plans for the affected families' welfare.