New Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, the lone lok Sabha member from Odisha, has said he will focus on winning the trust of tribals and implementation of the schemes for their welfare Oram, a prominent tribal leader, has stated this in an interview with Pravash Pradhan in New Delhi on behalf of The Pioneer.
How do you feel to be part of the Narendra Modi GovernmentIJ
I feel very happy. I’m thankful to Narendra Modiji giving me an opportunity to work in his team. I’m also grateful to the people of my constituency (Sundargarh) for electing me and reposing faith in me. People of our country have reposed faith in our leadership as well as party and have given a full mandate. Thus, I’m very much committed to fulfil my duty.
You were also the Tribal Affairs Minister in the earlier NDA regime from 1999 to 2004. You are completely aware of the activities of the Ministry. So, what is your agenda for the next five yearsIJ
For the first time, the Tribal Affairs Ministry was created during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government. Vajpayeeji made me the first Tribal Affairs Minister and gave me an opportunity to work for my own people. But later, the UPA Government neglected the tribals. They drifted away from the mainstream development process. So, my first agenda is to win the trust of tribals. My Ministry will bridge the gap and facilitate them to be part of the development process.
My Ministry will thoroughly monitor all economic activities under the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India ltd (TRIFED), oversee all grants and aids to State Governments and encourage entrepreneurs under different schemes. I’ll focus more on implementation of various schemes.
You hail from Odisha where tribals constitute about 22 per cent of the State’s population. It is seen that many tribal youths have joined the Maoist cadres. How do you want to address this issueIJ
See, I told you in the beginning that my priority is to win the trust of tribals. The young ones from this community have been directionless and have come under the influence of Maoists. So, we will provide them good education. I’ll ensure that all model schools in the tribal areas function well. Also, all direct benefit schemes reach the tribal youths. Once they get good education and means of livelihood, they will stay in the mainstream of the society.
You have been opposing mining activities in tribals-dominated areas. So, what will be your stand nowIJ
Yes, I oppose mining activities in the tribal areas, if people living in the locality are not be benefited from it. I’m not against mining. But if the tribals don’t benefit from it then what’s the point. They must be part of the development process. I emphasise upon inclusive growth.