The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at Vishwa Yuva Kendra, New Delhi.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram highlighted the transformative role played by NSTFDC in empowering Scheduled Tribe communities across the country. Emphasizing its people-centric approach, he underscored the Corporation’s focus on providing collateral-free financial assistance, ensuring wider access among tribal beneficiaries.

The Minister reiterated that NSTFDC’s vision goes beyond job creation, aiming to foster entrepreneurship and enable individuals to become job providers rather than job seekers. He noted that the financial assistance extended by NSTFDC has been life-changing, instilling a strong sense of responsibility and financial discipline among beneficiaries, which is reflected in timely repayments and a low incidence of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

Describing the occasion as a moment of pride, Shri Oram expressed confidence that NSTFDC will continue to strengthen tribal communities and achieve greater milestones in the years ahead.

The event was also graced by Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Shri Anant Prakash Pandey, Joint Secretary; and Shri T. Roumuan Paite, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), NSTFDC, along with former CMDs of the Corporation and representatives from State Channelizing Agencies across the country.

In his address, Shri T. Roumuan Paite described the 25th Foundation Day as not merely a celebration, but a moment of reflection and renewed commitment towards serving Scheduled Tribe communities. Highlighting NSTFDC’s sustained impact, he shared that the Corporation has extended over 16.80 lakh loans to beneficiaries, with total disbursements exceeding ₹4,400 crore to date.

He further noted that NSTFDC has consistently recorded an annual profit in the range of ₹20–30 crore, reflecting a robust and sustainable financial model. Reaffirming the organisation’s mission, Shri Paite emphasized continued efforts towards promoting accessible finance, enterprise development, and sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.

As part of the celebrations, NSTFDC felicitated Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs from across the country who have successfully established diverse business ventures and are generating sustainable livelihoods. These enterprises span sectors such as traditional cuisine, healthcare, poultry and dairy farming, beauty services, handicrafts, jewellery, textiles, pisciculture, crab culture, tailoring, and retail businesses.

Cultural programmes showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of tribal communities added vibrancy to the event.

The event underscored NSTFDC’s enduring commitment to inclusive growth, financial empowerment, and holistic development of Scheduled Tribes across the country.

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RN/

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