The Maharashtra government is observing Bhagwan Birsa Munda Gaurav Din Saptah across the state from 11 to 18 November 2026, coinciding with the national celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on 15 November, the birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The week-long programme encompasses social, educational, economic and cultural initiatives targeting Scheduled Tribe communities across Maharashtra.

Key Events Day by Day

On 13 November, cheques will be distributed to beneficiaries of the Nucleus Budget Scheme, and benefits will be extended to women's self-help groups, with new applications accepted and processed for approval. 14 November will see cleanliness drives and Deepotsav (festival of lights) at memorials statewide.

The centrepiece falls on 15 November, when floral tributes will be offered to Bhagwan Birsa Munda's portrait at the district level and by tribal organisations. A state-level programme will be held in Gadchiroli in the presence of the Governor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, with saints and spiritual leaders from the tribal community being felicitated.

16 November will host service camps to facilitate Aadhaar card enrolment and other government documentation. 17 November will be dedicated to health and nutrition awareness camps. The week concludes on 18 November, observed as Tribal Economic, Educational and Social Empowerment Day, featuring guidance programmes for women's self-help groups.

Education and Economic Schemes Announced

State Cultural Affairs Minister and Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, detailed a string of welfare measures. More than 3,000 teachers have been appointed on a contractual basis in ashram schools as a temporary measure, given restrictions on regular recruitment. Dedicated attendants have also been placed in tribal ashram schools to look after students' health.

A scholarship scheme bearing the name of Veer Raghoji Bhangre has been launched for meritorious students, while competitive examination preparatory training centres for tribal students have been established in all districts of the state. For tribal women's economic empowerment, the Rani Durgavati Women Empowerment Scheme has been introduced, modelled on the UMED initiative and women's self-help group frameworks.

Tribal Research and Community Outreach

The government has decided to establish a university-level study centre dedicated to the research, customs, traditions and history of tribal culture. A survey based on the 2011 Census has been conducted to better understand tribal population needs. Special development packages have been approved for particularly vulnerable tribal groups — the Kolam, Katkari and Madia communities — as well as for the upliftment of the Pardhi community, a backward and nomadic tribal group. Decisions on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and tribal recruitment have also been announced, according to Minister Shelar.

Tree Plantation Drive in Mumbai Suburban District

In his capacity as Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban district, Minister Shelar also chaired a review meeting on environmental issues. The state government has set a target of planting 300 crore trees over the next 20 years, with dedicated commissions and nurseries being established to meet this goal. Mumbai Suburban district has been assigned a target of 5 lakh trees, of which 2,12,390 have already been planted. Techniques including the Miyawaki method, geo-mapping and regular digital monitoring are being employed to ensure not just planting but survival and healthy growth of trees.