Adivasis fear non-tribals getting ST certificates in AP

 VISAKHAPATNAM: Adivasi leaders have expressed fears that non-tribal people may get ST certificates by misusing the Jagananna Suraksha scheme in agency areas of the state.

“Issuance of fraudulent caste certificates is already going on in a big way in agency regions. Jagananna Suraksha is making such frauds much easier,” observed Andhra Pradesh Adivasi Joint Action Committee ASR district convener Rama Rao Dora.

Talking to this correspondent on Sunday, he underlined that there is a high chance of other castes infiltrating into the ST list.

As part of its pre-election preparations, YSRCP government has decided to issue caste certificates, using which the eligible can avail the free schemes of the government. Caste certificates are to be issued within the first week of this month.

“Revenue machinery in agency areas should be vigilant. But they are not paying much attention. Due to this, fraudulent ST certificates are being issued to the detriment of tribal youth losing opportunities in fields of employment, politics and economy, Rama Rao Dora underlined.