Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Kolgarhi of Teonthar, a symbol of honour and prestige of Kol Samaj, will be renovated. Three crore 12 lakh rupees have been approved for this. The renovation work will start from June 9, the martyrdom day of Lord Birsa Munda.

Kol Bhavans will be built at various places in the state, it will start from Rewa. The government and the society will work together for the progress and upliftment of the Kol community. Special activities will be launched in the field of education, employment, self-employment and health.

Chouhan was addressing the Kol Tribe Convention at the residence premises. He inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp and garlanding the picture of Lord Birsa Munda.

The CM welcomed the brothers and sisters of the Kol tribe who came to the CM residence by showering flowers and presenting bouquets to the senior members of the community and tribal artists. On behalf of the society, Shri Mangesh Gotia presented a self-made portrait of the Chief Minister to Chouhan. Chouhan was felicitated by the Kol Samaj by tying a turban and presenting him with a bow and arrow.

Kol Samaj Ram-devotee and patriot society

Chouhan said that the glory of Kol Samaj is amazing. This is the community which provided home to even Lord. During the exile of Lord Shri Ram, the Kol Samaj did the work of giving him fruits and flowers and shelter. Along with this, the Samaj brothers also built the Parna Kuti (hut of leaves) for Lord Shri Ram. Kol Samaj is Ram-devotee and patriot society. The Kol Samaj has been at the forefront even in driving out the British. In the year 1831, the Kol rebellion led by Budhu Bhagat and Madara Mahto became a source of inspiration for many tribes to fight against the tyranny of the British. Kol society has its own history, works will be carried on continuously for its protection. The respect and prestige of the good and innocent Kol society will be restored.

Survey of the people who do not have land to live on will be conducted

Chouhan said that under the Mukhya Mantri Bhu-Awasiya Adhikar Yojana, people are being made the owners of the land by giving them lease. Instructions were also given to conduct a survey of the people of Kol Samaj who do not have land to live on. The CM said that every eligible person would be given a plot, necessary assistance would also be provided to construct a house along with a lease. In case of non-availability of government land, plots will be made available by purchasing land.

Concerted efforts will have to be made to change life: Society should also be alert

Chouhan said that it is necessary to pay attention to children’s education, everyone’s health, youth’s employment and self-employment. Motivating the people of the society, he said that we have to make concerted efforts to change our lives, we are not born to be poor. Only through targeted efforts for children’s education, employment and self-employment, the coming generation will be able to keep up with the times. Society has to be alert for this.

Chouhan suggested the Kol Development Authority to take initiative in the direction of arranging for meritorious children’s education, government jobs and coaching for recruitment in medical and engineering colleges. He said that by arranging necessary training and loans for self-employment of the youths, they have to be made job providers and not job seekers. Chouhan inspired the women of Kol Samaj to join self-help groups and informed about Ladli Bahna Yojana. Chouhan also distributed benefits to the beneficiaries of various schemes.

Chouhan became devotional

Chouhan also sang the lines of the bhajan while giving tune to the bhajan – ‘Aage Aage Ram Chalat Hai – Peche Laxman Bhai Re – Shobha Baran Na Jai Re’ presented by tribal artists. The Chief Minister thanked the guests for visiting the CM’s residence.

President of the State Level Kol Tribal Authority Shri Ramlal Routel said that the Chief Minister Chouhan is committed to the progress of the Kol community. Various activities are being carried out by the state government for the protection of the honour and cultural heritage of the tribal society. Other public representatives also addressed the programme. MLA Sharad Kol, President District Panchayat Satna Ram Khilawan Kol, President District Panchayat Rewa Neeta Kol, President of Bharia Development Authority Dinesh Agariya, Principal Secretary of Tribal Affairs Department Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil and a large number of brothers and sisters of Kol Samaj participated in the convention.