Tribals near Pollachi to use NOTA provision

Irked over the apathy of politicians for constructing a building for a primary school, a group of tribal voters in a few hamlets near Azhiyar in the district have decided to use 'None Of The Above' (NOTA) option in the voting machine in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Nearly 50 students of the only school in the hamlets surrounding Chinnarpathi were shifted and shuttled between two buildings, one belonging to PWD and another Tamil Nadu State Electricity Board, for their studies, since there was no permanent building, said sources in a NGO, working in the hamlets, based in Pollachi.
Though the government had received Rs.7.5 lakh under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to construct a proper building in March 2011, the amount was returned as a suitable land could not be found for the school building, they said.

Stating that the tribals, numbering nearly 300 along with students, staged a picket seeking the school some months ago, the sources said they were left in the lurch by the lawmakers and their appeals fell into deaf ears.
"The politicians used to come and seek votes, by giving false promises and never raise the issue of school once they get elected. We also want our children get basic education and lead a decent life, like others in the cities," the tribals said.
To teach the vote-seekers a lesson, some 300 tribals would use the NOTA provision in this election, the sources said.