Published on: May 02, 2025
By: BTI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In a culturally significant event, Member of Parliament Santosh Pandey visited the remote tribal village of Hathijhola in the Chuikhadan development block of Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, to participate in the “Baiga Panchayat” program. The event marked the first-ever visit of an MP to the village since India’s independence, sparking excitement and pride among local residents, especially the Baiga community.
The event was organized to celebrate the traditions, beliefs, and rich cultural heritage of the Baiga tribe—classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). In his address, MP Santosh Pandey emphasized the importance of preserving the Baiga community’s unique identity, which includes traditional medicine, spiritual practices, deep connection with forests, and sustainable ways of living.
“The Baiga community is known for its strong cultural roots, spiritual beliefs, and harmonious coexistence with nature. Their lifestyle and customs reflect a deep knowledge of the forest and its resources, which must be preserved for future generations,” said Pandey.
As a major announcement, MP Pandey pledged ₹15 lakh for the construction of a “Baiga Sarv Samaj Bhavan” (Baiga Community Hall), a dedicated space for cultural events, social gatherings, and community development initiatives. The announcement was met with loud applause and floral honors by the Baiga residents, who welcomed the MP with traditional garlands and warm gestures.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to tribal development, Pandey briefed the gathering about various welfare schemes, especially the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, which targets the holistic development of PVTGs across India. He spoke about ongoing efforts in the areas of education, healthcare, livelihood, and forest rights tailored specifically for tribal communities.
“This double-engine BJP government, both at the Centre and in the State, is working with dedication to uplift tribal communities like the Baigas, not just economically but also by safeguarding their cultural and medicinal knowledge systems,” he added.
Pandey further underlined the importance of integrating tribal voices into local governance structures, such as gram panchayats and village assemblies. “Programs like Baiga Panchayat play a crucial role in enhancing participation, recognizing tribal needs, and incorporating them into development planning at the grassroots level,” he noted.
The event saw the presence of several local leaders, including Vikrant Singh, Komal Janghel, Khammann Tamrakar, T.K. Patel, Nizam Mandavi, and many others who expressed their support for tribal development initiatives.
This visit and announcement come at a time when there is renewed national focus on tribal welfare, especially in forested and border regions. Hathijhola, situated near the Madhya Pradesh border and within the forested region of Bakarkatta, represents a vital area for such inclusive development policies.
The MP’s visit has not only boosted the morale of the local Baiga population but also brought attention to the urgent need for infrastructure, cultural preservation, and socio-economic inclusion in such remote areas. His words and commitments have left a lasting impression on the community, who see this as the beginning of a new chapter of recognition and empowerment.
