The tradition of inviting tribals to attend Republic Day parade has been continuing since the first Republic Day in 1952. The purpose to invite tribal guests is to provide them an exposure to the national event and other cultures. It is also an opportunity to showcase tribal culture to other social groups. This helps in inculcating sense of pride and part of the holistic development. For 2015, the tribals from 30 states and Union Territories were invited. One liaison officer from each state also accompanied them.
Tribals from 25 states/UTs witnessed the Republic Day parade this year. Fifty tribal guests representing various Scheduled Tribes participated in the function. Besides witness the Republic Day parade, the tribal guests also called on the president, vice president, prime minister and the defence minister. They also went for sight seeing. A special visit to Parliament library/museum was arranged for them.
The Ministry has been implementing various programmes for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes primarily through the state/UT governments. The programmes being funded by the ministry mainly focus on promotion of education and literacy and also on facilities like health care, safe drinking water and settled agriculture through land development, irrigation etc. The ministry has exclusive programme for promotion of girl education through educational complexes in low women literacy districts. New strategic process, Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, for overall development of tribal people was launched. It helps in convergence of various programmes for desired outcomes through dedicated institutions.