Kolkata erupted in political discourse as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) sharply rebuked President Droupadi Murmu’s recent comments suggesting a lack of development for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in West Bengal. In a meticulously detailed post on its official X handle, the ruling party outlined a comprehensive array of initiatives undertaken for the upliftment of tribal communities, challenging the narrative with hard data and tangible achievements.
The TMC addressed the President directly, expressing dismay over what they termed a ‘misconception’ about Bengal’s efforts. ‘It is unfortunate that such a misunderstanding has arisen regarding the development of tribal communities in Bengal,’ the post stated, before diving into specifics.
Central to their rebuttal was the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, where monthly financial aid for ST women has been hiked from Rs 500 to Rs 1,700, translating to an annual support of Rs 20,400. This initiative has directly empowered countless tribal households with financial stability.
Education received a major boost through the Sikhashree scholarship, benefiting 1,09,272 ST students in the 2025-26 academic year. Meanwhile, the Jai Johar scheme provides a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 to 2,98,315 beneficiaries, fortifying economic security in tribal families across the state.
Infrastructure and cultural preservation are not overlooked. The establishment of Siddhu Kanu Memorial (Santhali medium) Awasik School allows ST children to learn in their mother tongue, Santhali. In Junglemahal districts, 35,845 ST individuals are covered under the West Bengal Kendu Leaves Collectors Social Security Scheme.
Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) under LAMPAS have received Rs 30,000 each this financial year for livelihoods, with 7,932 groups already disbursed Rs 23.80 crore. Broader development in tribal areas focuses on last-mile connectivity, drinking water, sanitation, health, nutrition, and cultural heritage.
Projects include roads, bridges, hand pumps, solar tube-wells, ST hostels, community halls, ICDS centers, Jahar Thans, and Majhi Thans, alongside solar street lights. A whopping Rs 78.94 crore has been allocated for these efforts.
TMC emphasized that these are measurable, ground-level interventions aimed at ensuring respect, opportunities, and inclusive growth for tribal communities statewide. The party urged the President to acknowledge these commitments, underscoring Bengal’s dedicated approach to tribal welfare.