Telangana: Adivasis Protest for Action on Pending Tribal Welfare Issues
Hyderabad:Adivasis held a dharna seeking ROFR (Record of Forest Rights) documents and sought a road map for the same as promised by the government. They sought a discussion on the issue in the Assembly.
Addressing the dharna near Indira Park here, Telangana Tribal Sangham state president Midiam Babu Rao, former Bhadrachalam MP, said, “Gutti koya tribals in Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts are not getting caste certificates and are thus not able to avail any government schemes. Meetings of tribal advisory councils should be held along with ITDA councils at the district level and issues discussed to implement them.”
The government should ensure tenders are called for proper collection of tendu leaves and payment of pending bonus payment for the same and payment of cash in the gram sabhas as the online system is being misused.
Fake caste certificates should be verified by the ITDA and weeded out, he said. Officials responsible for their issue should be punished. Those responsible for denying loan waiver to tribals should be punished, he said and sought a mechanism of tribal welfare department, revenue and bankers to solve it.
A separate DSC should be conducted for the agency areas and vacant posts filled, he said and sought reinstatement of GO MS NO. 3 by writing to the centre.
The leaders further sought declaration of villages with more than 50 per cent tribal population and their inclusion in the Fifth Schedule. They sought forest clearance for laying of roads, borewells for drinking water schemes and three phase power in the agency areas.
The vacant teaching and non-teaching posts in Utnoor and Bhadrachalam BEd colleges should be filled forthwith. Study circles to help students in preparing for competitive exams should be opened by the leaders, Telangana Rythu Sangham state joint secretary Mood Shoban said adding the tribal welfare department should have a dedicated minister.
