Tribal communities are custodians of pure culture and tradition

The newly appointed Chairperson of the State ST Commission, Sollu Bojji Reddy, along with members G. Sunitha, K. Lakshmi, K. Sairam, K. Malleswara Rao, and Venkatappa, officially assumed charge on Monday at the R&B Buildings office. To mark the occasion, a felicitation program highlighting tribal culture and traditions was held at the Tummalapalli Kalakshetram.

State Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav attended as the chief guest and conveyed his best wishes to the new Chairperson and the members. Speaking at the event, the minister recalled that after India gained independence, a separate Ministry for Tribal Affairs was established only in 1999 during the tenure of then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also noted that the ST Commission was formed in 2003 through the 89th Constitutional Amendment to address injustices and exploitation faced by tribal communities.

The minister highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Birsa Munda (November 15) as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, recognizing the contributions of nearly 110 million tribal citizens. He added that the Union government’s budget for tribal welfare had increased significantly - from ₹4,200 crore in 2013-14 to ₹14,956 crore for 2025-26. Infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities for tribal communities have improved, he said, pointing out the expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools from 119 to 740.

SC Commission Chairman K.S. Jawahar emphasized that coordinated efforts between the SC and ST Commissions are essential for the progress of both communities. MLC Somu Veerraju stated that the Chief Minister had entrusted the ST Commission to the “right person,” expressing confidence that Bojji Reddy would work tirelessly for tribal welfare. MLA Miryala Sirisha also congratulated the new leadership and said the government, with the support of the ST Commission, would take further steps to develop agency areas.

The program was attended by SC Commission Secretary Chinnarammulu, Tribal Welfare Director Sada Bhargavi, officials, staff, and students from Gurukulam schools.