In a significant move, Adivasi leaders have submitted a memorandum to the President of India urging her to engage in a dialogue with tribal representatives during her visit to Rajbhavan on July 3rd, 2023. The memorandum raises critical concerns regarding the welfare and development of tribal communities in Karnataka, seeking prompt action to alleviate their suffering and ensure a dignified quality of life. The memorandum presented through the Governor of Karnataka emphasizes various pressing issues that demand immediate attention from the Government of Karnataka (GOK) and the Government of India (GOI).
The Adivasi Peoples Parliament Committee calls for the implementation of a series of resolutions passed during their meeting with the President on June 12th, 2023, which address longstanding challenges faced by tribals. One of the key issues highlighted in the memorandum is the rehabilitation of 3418 displaced tribal families from Nagarahole National Park. The High Court of Karnataka issued an order in April 2009 calling for their rehabilitation. However, the committee report with recommendations submitted to the GOK on August 5th, 2014 has yet to be acted upon, leading to continued suffering among the affected tribes. The memorandum points out that this inaction may be viewed as a violation of the court order and urges the government to allocate funds amounting to Rs 51270 crores for the rehabilitation and development of these families.
Another critical concern raised is the need for a special budget allocation for the development of one lakh Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and forest-dependent tribal families in Karnataka. The Adivasi leaders have submitted a letter to the Chief Minister of Karnataka urging the allocation of Rs 61787 crores in the state budget for 2023-24. This request is seen as a crucial step towards empowering and uplifting tribal communities in the region.
The memorandum further emphasizes the need to extend constitutional protective measures to tribals in Karnataka. It calls for the declaration of the 5th scheduled area in the state, enabling the implementation of the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act 1996 (PESA). This extension would grant tribals internal administration and self-governance rights which are currently denied to them. The Adivasi leaders highlight the importance of tribal political participation to protect their communities and their forest resources, ultimately contributing to the nation-building process.
Additionally, the memorandum stresses the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006 (FRA) in Karnataka. It points out that many forest-dependent tribes and PVTGs are yet to receive habitat and community forest rights as mandated by the legislation. The leaders also emphasize the need to upgrade ashram schools in tribal areas up to the 10th standard (SSLC) or in some cases the 12th standard (PUC) to ensure quality education for tribal children.
Moreover, the Adivasi leaders highlight the necessity of strengthening the Tribal Department in Karnataka, granting it sufficient powers to handle development, education, revenue, 5th schedule governance, and forest-related matters pertaining to tribals. They assert that the current system which primarily focuses on coordination and welfare must be upgraded to effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by tribal communities.
The memorandum concludes by urging the President of India to advise the GOK and the Governor of Karnataka to prioritize these concerns and take appropriate action. The Adivasi leaders hope that their submission will lead to meaningful interventions and bring about positive change in the lives of tribals, ensuring justice, development, and the preservation of their unique cultural heritage.