Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday, 14 November announced that Sandipani schools would be established in three tribal-dominated districts of the state at a total outlay of ₹85 crore, as part of a broader push to expand education, healthcare and industrial development in tribal regions. The announcement was made at Garrison Ground, Jabalpur, during a 'Janjatiya Gaurav' event marking the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.

Which Districts Get the Schools

Chief Minister Yadav confirmed that the new Sandipani schools would come up in Chhindwara, Balaghat, and Dindori districts — all areas with significant tribal populations. The schools are intended to bring quality education closer to communities that have historically faced access gaps.

Beyond schooling, the state government is also constructing medical colleges in Dindori and Mandla — two of which will be named after tribal freedom fighters Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah, following a Cabinet decision taken in Damoh. Industrial promotion initiatives are additionally underway in Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori and Jabalpur districts.

Welfare Schemes and Economic Support

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yadav highlighted several ongoing welfare measures targeting tribal communities. Under the Rani Durgavati scheme, the state government is procuring kodo and kutki — traditional millets cultivated in tribal belts — while also encouraging cattle rearing and boosting milk production to support livestock-dependent households.

During the event, financial assistance was distributed to tribal youths under government welfare schemes, aimed at fostering self-employment and economic independence. The Chief Minister also honoured tribal achievers who have brought recognition to Madhya Pradesh through accomplishments in India and abroad.

Tribute to Birsa Munda

Speaking on the legacy of Birsa Munda, Chief Minister Yadav described the 19th-century tribal leader as a symbol of resistance who inspired communities to unite for the protection of water, forests and land, as well as their identity, self-respect and culture.

'At a time when the influence of British rule had spread across the world and it was said that the sun never set on their empire, tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda raised the banner of resistance to protect his motherland, society, culture and rights,' Yadav said at the event.

He added that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government would ensure that the history, struggles and sacrifices of tribal heroes reached younger generations through programmes in every district, block, school, college and hostel across the state.

Symbolism and Cultural Connect

The Chief Minister referenced his government's decision to hold its first Cabinet meeting in Jabalpur in honour of Rani Durgavati, the Gond queen, as evidence of the administration's commitment to tribal heritage. He arrived at the event in traditional tribal attire, played a traditional drum, and was felicitated with a tribal turban and presented with a bow and arrows.

Yadav urged district administrations, social organisations and community leaders to organise similar events across Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, 15 November — Birsa Munda's birth anniversary — to honour the contributions of tribal heroes statewide.