Governor Shri Hari Babu Bagade emphasized the critical role of education and tribal welfare during his visit to Kotra, Udaipur, highlighting key initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Rajeevika for community upliftment. During his two-day tour of the tribal-dominated region, the Governor interacted with students, beneficiaries, and local stakeholders, stressing that “no challenge should hinder a child’s education” as it remains the foundation for progress. He reviewed central and state schemes, including Ayushman Bharat’s healthcare benefits and Rajeevika’s women-led self-help groups, while urging collective efforts to bridge gaps in implementation. His address also covered malnutrition prevention, addiction awareness, and heritage preservation—underscoring a holistic approach to tribal development in Rajasthan.
Bagade urged tribal children, saying, “No matter how challenging the circumstances, never stop going to school, as education is the only path to uplift families and society.”
Governor Shri Bagade was addressing a public interaction program held at the Eklavya Model Residential School campus in Kotra block, a tribal-dominated area of Udaipur district, on the second day of his two-day visit. The visit marked the completion of one year of his tenure. He said, “To commemorate one year in office, I wanted to visit a rural area, interact with people, and assess whether government schemes are reaching them and how much they have benefited from development programs. That’s why I chose a remote area like Kotra.” He expressed happiness over meeting the people and noted that the benefits of central and state government schemes were reaching them. He emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that those still deprived of these schemes are included.
Education is the Key to Progress in TSP Areas
Bagade stated that Rajasthan has nine districts where tribal communities constitute over 60% of the population. Both the central and state governments have launched several schemes for their upliftment, covering education, healthcare, and employment. “To eradicate poverty, promoting education is essential. With small landholdings and increasing population fragmentation, agriculture offers limited opportunities. Hence, securing employment through education has become crucial.”
He highlighted initiatives like Jan Dhan accounts, which have connected millions to banking services, and the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, providing free treatment. “Earlier, arranging money for treatment was difficult—people had to sell livestock or jewelry. Now, free healthcare has eased this burden.” He also mentioned food security schemes, solar subsidies, and educational programs, urging people to shed inferiority complexes and strive for a better life. “The Constitution grants equal voting rights to all—rich or poor. The Bhil community has a glorious history; many were rulers and established princely states.”
Condolences for Jhalawar Tragedy
Expressing grief over the Jhalawar school tragedy, the Governor stressed the need for waterproofing roofs and ensuring proper drainage to prevent such incidents. “Panchayats, villagers, and teachers must collectively monitor school buildings to avoid such mishaps.” Governor Bagade raised concerns over malnutrition in tribal areas, urging villagers to maintain a three-year gap between children to ensure proper nutrition for both mother and child. He also encouraged availing nutrition supplies from Anganwadi centers. On addiction, he said, “We must ensure the youth do not fall into the trap of substance abuse.”
Tribal Area Development Minister Shri Babu Lal Kharadi thanked the Governor for visiting Kotra and highlighted the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities. “Understanding and preserving heritage is essential. Earlier, this region was underdeveloped—while Gujarat’s border areas had electricity, Kotra remained in darkness. But now, roads and electricity have brought hope.” He emphasized the need for infrastructure development in forested areas and assured continued efforts by the central and state governments.
At the event, stalls set up by women self-help groups under Rajeevika displayed various products. Governor Bagade praised their skills and urged other women to join such initiatives. He also inspected a medical camp organized by the district administration and health department.
Governor Advises: “Tell Parents Not to Rush into Marriage”
During the program, the Governor distributed benefits under schemes like PM Awas Yojana, pension schemes, and livestock insurance. Interacting with beneficiaries, he advised computer course recipient Aarti Patel, “Tell your parents not to rush into marriage. Focus on clearing administrative exams first.” Governor Bagade planted saplings at the Eklavya school campus under the ‘Haryalo Rajasthan’ campaign, urging everyone to participate not just in planting trees but also in their care.
The event was attended by Tribal Minister Shri Babu Lal Kharadi, ACS Shri Kunji Lal Meena, District Collector Namit Mehta, officials, local representatives, and a large number of citizens.
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