Jashpur. People of Pahadi Korwa tribe have always had a tough life. They have been living in remote forest areas under difficult circumstances without even the most basic of the facilities such as houses, electricity, healthcare and safe drinking water. They live under constant fear of wild attacks. One such woman of Pahadi Korwa tribe named Mankunwari Bai, who has been living her life with similar struggles and challenges, had never imagined that one day her hard-working hands which pull ropes and carry countless burdens will get to wear a microphone and speak to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Mankunwari was overjoyed to have a dialogue with Prime Minister, she excitedly shared the positive changes that have come into the lives of Pahadi Korwa tribe over the years because of the Central Government schemes.
On the occasion, Mankunwari Bai of village Salkhadand (Kutma Gram Panchayat) under Bagicha tehsil of Jashpur district, expressed her views to Prime Minister without any hesitation. She thanked Prime Minister for the benefits she has received under Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, and she also told in detail about the difficulties she had to endure before and how easier has her life become over the time. The moment when Mankunwari’s name was called to interact with the Prime Minister, there was thunderous applause. The echo of applause became louder as Mankunwari chanted “Jai Johar” at the beginning of the conversation.
It was a special day today for the families coming from special backward tribes to the camp held under Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana. Mankunwari Bai had come all the way from Bagicha tehsil of Jashpur district to attend this camp of PM Janman Yojana. She was pleasantly surprised to know that she will get to talk to Prime Minister himself. She interacted with Prime Minister via video conferencing and told him about the gradual positive changes she has experienced in her life over the years, how she has got a pucca house under PM Awas, how availability of electricity and safe drinking water has made her life easier and healthier.
Prime Minister asked Mankunwari about the benefits of Nal-Jal Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana, in response to which she told that earlier she had to go to the forest to collect wood for cooking but now with the availability of LPG connection, it has become easier for her to cook at home and her children get food on time. Earlier, people of her village were dependant on wells and streams for water. People had to walk on uneven path for kilometers to fetch water, and consumption of unclean water used to cause various kinds of diseases. But now clean drinking water is available through tap connections, and their life has become much easier than before.
Mankunwari also told about her 12-member women self-help group that make and sell ‘Dona-Pattal’. Mankunwari Bai told Prime Minister Shri Modi that as ‘Janman Sangi’, she provides information about the government schemes to the members of her tribal community and motivates them to get their Ayushman card, ration card, job card, Aadhaar cards issued. While thanking the Prime Minister for Janman Yojana, she said that earlier Pahadi Korva and other backward tribes had to face a lot of challenges in day to day life, as they were deprived of the development for 75 years. But now within a few days we have availed the benefits of various government schemes at one place. In his address to the daughters at the camp, Prime Minister motivated them to take up a sport to play along with their studies for all-round development.
Prime Minister Shri Modi, after the conversation with Mankunwari Bai at the inaugural program of Janman Yojana, said that he is glad to learn about people of Pahadi Korwa tribe availing benefits of various schemes. He especially lauded people for creating awareness among their peers other about the schemes and programs of the government. Mankunwari Bai said that after talking to the Prime Minister of the country, she feels more confident and motivated to contribute towards development of her community. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, MLA Mrs Raimuni Bhagat and Mrs Gomti Sai were also present in the program.
