CM Hails Gonds' Role in Freedom Movement

JHARSUGUDA: The Gonds are one of most courageous and culturally rich tribes in the country. They fought against the British and their struggle against imperialism is a glorious chapter in the freedom movement of India, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Friday.

Speaking at the 11th annual National Conference of Akhil Bhartiya Gondwana Gond Mahasabha (ABGGM) here, Naveen said the State Government is committed to the development of tribal areas. Funding under Biju KBK Scheme has been increased by `120 crore to `350 crore, he added.

The money will be spent on development of education, irrigation, agriculture, communication and providing drinking water to tribal areas, the Chief Minister said adding that the Government will provide more fund if required.

Later, Naveen released a souvenir and felicitated meritorious students of 11 districts. He also inaugurated a school and hostel building of a renovated high school and a photo exhibition on BTM Ground, the venue for the mahasangh conference which is being held across the nation for the last 11 years.

Naveen was accompanied by Bargarh MP Prabhas Singh, Chairman, Western Odisha Development Council, Kishore Mohanty, Brajrajnagar MLA Radharan Panda, Chairman, Lift Irrigation Corporation, Anup Sai, national president of ABGGM Sishupal Sori and State president of ABGGM Mahendra Naik.

Hundreds of delegates from 11 States participated.