New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday assured tribal communities that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would not affect their customs, traditions, or cultural practices in any way.
Addressing a tribal conclave organised to mark the 150th birth anniversary year of Birsa Munda at Delhi’s Red Fort grounds, Shah said misinformation was being spread to create fear among tribal communities regarding the UCC.
He stated that BJP-ruled states implementing the Uniform Civil Code have already made special provisions to keep tribal communities outside its ambit.
“A conspiracy is being spread claiming that the UCC will take away the traditions and rights of tribal communities. I want to make it absolutely clear that no provision of the UCC will be imposed on tribal or Vanvasi society,” Shah said.
The home minister urged tribal communities not to believe rumours and appealed to people to spread awareness in villages, forests, and remote areas about the government’s stand on the issue.
Shah also said the government has made major progress in tackling Naxalism and claimed the country was moving towards becoming completely free from the decades-old problem.
He alleged that violence linked to Naxalism had severely affected tribal communities over the years and said the focus should now shift towards rapid development in tribal regions.
During his address, Shah also spoke about religious conversions and said no one should be forced or induced to change their faith. He stressed that tribal communities have remained deeply connected to nature worship and traditional beliefs.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, Shah claimed the Modi government significantly increased the tribal welfare budget compared to previous governments. He also referred to the election of President Droupadi Murmu as a moment of pride for tribal communities.
Describing the gathering as a “Mahakumbh of tribal society,” Shah said the movement to preserve tribal identity and culture would strengthen the nation and help protect indigenous traditions for future generations.
