Koraput: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced that two industrial projects involving an investment of Rs 4,200 crore, including in the cement sector, would soon come up in Malkangiri. He also promised improved rail and air connectivity, an industrial park at Simagudi and 11 Godabarish Mishra Model Schools in the initial phase to accelerate the district’s development.Addressing a gathering of over 10,000 people at the DNK Ground in Malkangiri during the state-level celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, marking the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Majhi unveiled development projects worth Rs 161 crore, including the inauguration of 28 hostels built at a cost of Rs 55 crore for tribal students and the laying of foundation stones for 35 projects worth Rs 106 crore to strengthen infrastructure.He said bringing Malkangiri into the mainstream of development was among the govt’s priorities. “Malkangiri will no longer remain backward. We are committed to bringing the district into the mainstream of development,” he said, describing it as a land of rich tribal culture, natural beauty and a glorious history of struggle.He said the proposed industrial investments, improved transport connectivity and educational infrastructure would open up new opportunities for the people of the district. He also urged residents to join hands with the administration to build ‘Team Malkangiri’ as part of the state’s broader development vision.Highlighting the govt’s tribal welfare initiatives, Majhi said the Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission 2.0 aimed to make eight lakh tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) families financially self-reliant over the next five years. The programme will cover 134 blocks across 19 districts.“Without the empowerment of tribal communities, a prosperous Odisha and a developed India cannot be realised,” he said, adding that tribals account for around 58% of Malkangiri’s population.Recalling Birsa Munda’s contribution to the freedom movement, Majhi described him as the finest symbol of the independent spirit of tribal communities. He said Birsa had led the fight against injustice and oppression and inspired generations to defend their rights over jal, jangal and zameen.The chief minister also highlighted educational achievements among tribal communities, citing Bonda and Didayi students who cleared NEET and Odisha Civil Services examinations. He said 24 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools had become operational in Odisha, taking their total number to 71, the highest among states.Majhi also referred to the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, under which 7,667 villages across 27 districts of Odisha are being covered with housing, drinking water, road, healthcare and education facilities.