Durga Das Uikey

Durga Das Uikey (born 29 October 1963; ), also known as DD Uikey, is an Indian politician, educator, and social advocate. He is the incumbent Member of Parliament from Betul in Madhya Pradesh and serves as Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs since 2024. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Uikey is known for his focus on tribal development, education, and grassroots governance.

Early life and education Durga Das Uikey was born on 29 October 1963 in Mirapur, Madhya Pradesh, to a family of local educators and social workers. He completed his schooling in Betul and earned a degree in Education before beginning his professional career as a teacher. His early engagement in community education and literacy programs brought him local recognition and laid the foundation for his political career.

Political career Entry into politics Uikey joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the early 2000s and worked at the grassroots level, focusing on tribal welfare, rural education, and local governance. His work in community development, particularly in Betul district, earned him popularity among constituents and tribal communities.

Member of Parliament In the 2019 Indian general election, Uikey was elected to the Lok Sabha representing Betul. He won the election with a comfortable margin, defeating his nearest competitor from the Indian National Congress (INC).

In the 2024 Indian general election, Uikey was re-elected, securing a margin of 379,761 votes over INC candidate Ramu Tekam.

Minister of State On 11 June 2024, Uikey was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, succeeding Bharati Pawar. In this role, he has focused on policies related to tribal education, livelihood programs, and socio-economic development initiatives for marginalized communities.

Legislative initiatives During his tenure in the Lok Sabha, Uikey has actively participated in debates and parliamentary committees concerning education, tribal welfare, rural development, and healthcare. He has introduced and supported several bills aimed at improving access to primary education and strengthening local governance structures in tribal areas.

Social work and advocacy Even before his election, Uikey was involved in promoting literacy, women's empowerment, and health awareness programs in Betul district. He continues to engage with NGOs and community organisations to facilitate development projects and capacity-building initiatives for tribal communities.

Personal life Durga Das Uikey is married to Mamta Uikey and resides in Betul, Madhya Pradesh. He is fluent in Hindi and regional tribal languages and maintains active engagement with his constituency through regular visits and public outreach programs.

Recognition Uikey's contributions to education and tribal development have been recognised by local civic organisations and educational bodies. He is cited as an example of a politician combining legislative work with grassroots social initiatives.