Visakhapatnam: Adivasis from non-scheduled villages in Anakapalli district concluded their four-day padayatra on Monday, demanding that their villages be included in the Fifth Schedule.
The padayatra was organised by the Fifth Schedule Sadhana Samiti-AP and the All India Adivasi Sangam (ASM). Hundreds of Adivasis from Cheedikada, V Madugula, Ravikamatam, Rolugunta, Golugonda and Nathavaram participated in the padayatra.
The Adivasis said they were facing a number of challenges, including land alienation, lack of access to education and healthcare and discrimination. They said the inclusion of their villages in the Fifth Schedule would help to address these challenges.
The Adivasis who participated in the padayatra submitted a memorandum to the Anakapalli collector, demanding that their villages be included in the Fifth Schedule. They also said they would be organising a protest at the Vijayawada Dharna Chowk on August 14 to press for their demands.
