Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday, 16 October described the tribal community as the true guardian of India's nature, culture and traditions, emphasising that their welfare and equal participation in development were central to the country's overall progress. He was speaking at a tribal conference held at Karila Dham in Ashoknagar district, Madhya Pradesh.

The minister's remarks came during a visit to his Lok Sabha constituency of Guna, where he also made a series of infrastructure announcements aimed at boosting religious tourism and improving connectivity in the region.

Scindia's Address to the Tribal Community

'The tribal community is the true guardian of our nature, culture and traditions. Respecting this community, ensuring its welfare and providing equal opportunities for development are among the government's priorities,' Scindia said. He noted that tribal communities had enriched the country's cultural heritage over generations through their traditional lifestyles and their close, enduring relationship with nature.

Scindia also cited the election of President Droupadi Murmu, who belongs to a tribal community, as a demonstration of the opportunities available within India's democratic framework — a point that underscored the government's position on inclusive representation.

PM-JANMAN and Tribal Welfare Schemes

Highlighting Central government initiatives, Scindia drew attention to the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), a flagship programme designed to improve living conditions for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The scheme extends basic facilities including housing, road connectivity, drinking water, education, healthcare and nutrition to some of the most marginalised tribal populations in the country.

The minister stressed that welfare schemes would fulfil their objectives only when benefits reached eligible families on time. He called on public representatives and grassroots workers to remain closely connected with tribal communities, spread awareness about available government schemes and actively assist beneficiaries in accessing the support they are entitled to.

Karila Dham Development and Road Connectivity

In a significant announcement for religious tourism, Scindia declared that Karila Dham — a prominent religious centre that draws large numbers of devotees — would be developed as 'Karila Dham Lok', with the dual purpose of promoting religious tourism and preserving the site's cultural identity.

He confirmed that ₹100 crore had already been sanctioned for the construction of a nearly 50-km road connecting Shadhora with Karila Dham, and that work was already under way. The project is expected to significantly ease access for devotees travelling from Ashoknagar, Chanderi and Mungaoli.

Community Infrastructure at Shabari Ashram

Scindia also announced the construction of a community hall and a tin shed at Shabari Ashram, at a combined cost of ₹50 lakh, to be funded through the local MLA's development fund. The announcements were welcomed by attendees, and nutritious food was distributed among beneficiaries during the programme.

Members of the tribal community received the minister in a traditional manner before he offered prayers at Karila Dham. As development projects in the Guna constituency take shape, the focus now shifts to the pace of execution and whether scheme benefits reach the ground-level beneficiaries Scindia spoke of.