DRAUPADI MURMU – A PRIDE OF NATION

The election and elevation of Draupadi Murmu as a Pesident of India reflects the beauty of Indian democracy. The election of Draupadi Murmu is a pride for Indian tribals in particular and the people of North East in general. Earlier, two tribal candidates viz Prof G.G Swell and Late Mr. P.A Sangma, both from North East, did contested, but could not make it. Draupadi Murmu is the first tribal President representing around 104 tribal population of India as per 2001 census. 

The constitution of India provides for the upliftment of S/C and S/T in time bound manner. President Draupadi Murmu being an S/T, will be able to play more effective role to serve these people. The tribals in India are educationally backward. 35% of Schedule Tribe women are having no education at all. At the Secondary School level, children belonging to S/T have the lowest net and gross attendance ratios (NAR/GAR/). The under five mortality rate for Schedule Tribe (50 deaths per 1000 live births) is the highest in any category. Only 55% of the Schedule Tribe population had access to a doctor compared to 70% for the remaining population. Only 69% of S/T households have access to toilets as compared to 93% among other categories.

The election of Draupadi Murmu is unique and significant in this background. This is so as the President of India has a power under Article 342 (1) of the constitution to designate any tribe as an Schedule Tribe after consultation with the Governor of the state, besides other power and privileges. Her personal review can also make a difference and the development process can get accelerated. 

We from Eastern Panorama congratulate the 64 years old former Teacher, a former Minister of Orissa and a former Governor of Jharkhand on her elevation as President of India. She even won appreciation for keeping the Governor’s house open to people from all walks of life.

Mr Narendra Modi in his tweet has rightly said – “Smt Draupadi Murmu ji has devoted her life to serving the society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalized…… she will be a great President of our Nation”.

We too believe, she will be a great President.

Dr. K.K.Jhunjhunwala