Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Rourkela, tribal regions, Adi Paraba, infrastructure projects
Mains: GS Paper 2 — Governance, Welfare of SC/ST, Inclusive Development

Why in News?

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, launched development projects worth ₹158 crore in Rourkela during her visit, emphasising inclusive growth and tribal empowerment.

About Rourkela

• Located in Odisha
• Known as a major steel hub of India
• Houses:
  • Rourkela Steel Plant
• Significant tribal population in surrounding regions

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Projects worth ₹158 crore inaugurated
• Focus areas:
  • Education infrastructure
  • Community development
  • Public services
• Inauguration of:
  • Planetarium
  • Development initiatives targeting tribal areas

Focus on Tribal Welfare

The President addressed a gathering during Adi Paraba-2026, a tribal festival celebrated in Odisha.

Importance:

• Highlights tribal culture and identity
• Platform for:
  • Cultural preservation
  • Government outreach

✔︎ Policy focus:

• Inclusion of tribal communities
• Bridging regional inequalities

Why Tribal Development Matters?

• Tribal population ≈ 8.6% of India
• Concentrated in:
  • Central India
  • Eastern states like Odisha

Key Challenges:

• Limited access to:
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Infrastructure

• Infrastructure in tribal regions
• Education access
• Cultural integration

✔️ Linked to broader themes:

• Inclusive development
• Social justice
• Regional equity

Quick Recap for Exam

• What: President launched projects worth ₹158 crore
• Where: Rourkela, Odisha
• Focus: Tribal welfare, infrastructure, education
• Event: Adi Paraba-2026
• Key theme: Inclusive and tribal-centric development
  

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Rourkela is known for:

A. IT hub
B. Steel industry
C. Textile industry
D. Port city

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Which state is Rourkela located in?

A. Jharkhand
B. Odisha
C. Chhattisgarh
D. West Bengal

✅ Answer: B

Q3. Which of the following statements is correct?

1. Adi Paraba is a tribal festival
2. It is celebrated in Odisha
3. It is related to harvest festival

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: A

Q4. Tribal population in India is approximately:

A. 4%
B. 6%
C. 8.6%
D. 12%

✅ Answer: C

Q5. Which of the following is associated with tribal welfare?

A. NITI Aayog
B. Ministry of Tribal Affairs
C. RBI
D. SEBI

✅ Answer: B

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CBL Mains Practice Question

“Development in tribal regions must go beyond infrastructure to include cultural and social empowerment.”
Discuss in the context of recent government initiatives. (250 words)

FAQs

1. Why is Rourkela important?

It is a major steel-producing city and industrial hub in Odisha.

2. What is Adi Paraba?

A tribal festival celebrating indigenous culture in Odisha.

3. Why focus on tribal development?

To reduce inequality and ensure inclusive growth.

4. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 2 — Governance and Social Justice.

5. What is the role of President in such events?

Symbolic leadership and promotion of national development priorities.