The Maharashtra government on November 15 announced the setting up of a Scheduled Tribe (ST) Commission and teaching the life of tribal leaders to students through history textbooks.

“The work of all tribal revolutionaries in the country is inspirational and proud. This struggle of tribal revolutionaries helped the nation to achieve its freedom. The government will take efforts for branding and marketing of development concepts and handcraft by the tribals. Along with it, as per the demand by tribal development minister Vijaykumar Gavit, a Scheduled Tribe (ST) Commission will be set up in the state soon,” Shinde said.

Shinde was addressing a gathering in Nashik to mark the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ on the occasion of the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Birsa Munda.

Governor of Maharashtra  B S Koshyari and Minister of Tribal Development of Maharashtra Vijaykumar Gavit were also present at the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honoured tribals in the country by selecting Droupadi Murmu as the President, the Governor said in his address.

A separate cell will be set up in Mantralaya for the forest rights of tribals, Vijaykumar Gavit said.

On the same day, speaking on the occasion of Adivasi Gaurav Divas, organised by Janjagruti Vikas Manch, Jawhar, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Birsa Munda fought for the rights of tribals and took back the land of tribals from the British.

The state government will include (a chapter) on the life of leaders of tribal communities in the history textbooks, Fadnaivs said.