Tent-Free Karnataka Initiative Aims to Secure Land and Housing for Nomadic Communities
G Pallavi pledges to address decades-long marginalization, calling for empathetic governance and swift action.
Haveri: The "Tent-Free Karnataka" initiative seeks to provide permanent settlements and basic amenities to nomadic communities across the state, stated Karnataka Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities Development Corporation Chairperson G Pallavi.
Speaking at a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Haveri on Thursday, Pallavi expressed her concern that, despite 78 years of independence, these communities continue to struggle with a lack of land and housing facilities.
She highlighted the social, educational, and political marginalization of these communities and stressed the importance of integrating them into mainstream society, given their rich arts, culture, and professions.
Pallavi shared that she had already visited 15 districts to listen to the grievances of nomadic communities. She plans to visit the remaining districts and submit a comprehensive report on their situation to the state government by March 12.
Outlining her ongoing efforts to address the issues of these voiceless communities, Pallavi assured that proactive steps are being taken to resolve their problems.
She has directed officials to work empathetically and efficiently within a set time frame. Additionally, efforts are underway to facilitate the admission of children from nomadic communities to residential schools without the need for entrance exams.
During her visit to Dumburamathur village, Pallavi noted that around 45 families from the Sillekyatha community have been living in the lake area for the past 75 years without land rights or access to government schemes. She instructed the Deputy Commissioner to allocate land from 22 acres of government land in the village to construct homes for these families. She also ordered a survey of landless and homeless families in the district, with the findings to be submitted to both district authorities and the corporation.
Pallavi visited some of the tribals at their habitations and also held meetings with the officials.
