The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said that there is a need for the Tharu tribal community members to join the mainstream and it is was the responsibility of state government to help them progress.
"These people, who have been living in the jungles and have also helped in saving them (forests) face immense hardships...It is the responsibility of the government to help them progress under the provisions of the Constitution and join the mainstream," he said at a programme organised at his official residence here.
"If we want to provide them power or a telephone line, perhaps that is not possible in the jungles under the existing law...They cannot build their houses...It is the duty of the government to make efforts to bring them in the mainstream and I can assure you on government's behalf in this," he said.
He also asked officials to prepare a master plan for which funds will be provided.
Noted social worker and founder of Sulabh movement Bindeshwar Pathak was also present at the event.
Speaking in the favour of organising 'Tharu Mahotsav', the CM suggested that handicraft items prepared by them could be displayed at the upcoming Lucknow Haat, which will be bigger than Delhi Haat, and will be completed by next year.
On the occasion, Yadav lauded the efforts of district magistrates of Lakhimpur and Bahraich, parts of which are inhabited by Tharus.
