ST Commission Chairman promises forest access to tribals

NELLORE: Andhra Pradesh State ST Commission chairman Dr Kumbha Ravibabu said forest officials are obstructing the movement of tribes into 92-acre forest lands in Mannangidinne area of Kavali constituency while assuring to resolve the problem after discussing with the higher officials.

He visited Mannangidinne village in Kavalu rural mandal and Chandrasekhara Puram in Kodvaluru mandal on Wednesday and interacted with the habitants.

The Commission chairman asked the officials to support the poor tribes on humanitarian grounds for including them in the welfare schemes and resolving their issues on a priority basis.

He asked them to visit the colonies and provide Aadhaar cards and birth certificates by organising special camps for them. He also asked them to resolve their land-related issues.

He said priority should be given to the applications from STs for housing under Jagananna Housing programme as they are nomadic, and they need permanent houses.

Later, he distributed Pratibha Puraskaram at Ekalavya Gurukul school at Chandrasekhara Puram and said the Chief Minister has been encouraging the education sector by providing huge funds under Nadu-Nedu for improving basic amenities.

He reminded that the state government is giving top priority to educational opportunities for the poor and downtrodden and the tribal population should understand the situation and encourage their children.

Kavali RDO Seena Naik explained to the Commission chairman and members accompanying him that they are organising special camps for issuing Aadhaar cards to the tribals.

ITDA project director Manda Rani informed the Commission members on the programmes being implemented in the district for the tribal population.