NCST pulls up U'khand govt over living conditions of tribals

After taking an extensive tour of the tribal-inhabited areas of Chamoli, Mana, Kalsi and Chakrata, NCST Chairman Rameshwar Uraon expressed concern over the living conditions of the tribal people, "which have not improved to the desired level".

"It is evident that there is lack of sincere efforts in the direction at the administrative level. Nearly 50-52 per cent of the budgetary allocation to Uttarakhand has lapsed as they had no plans or schemes to implement for the welfare of tribals," Uraon told reporters here.

He said that during his tour to backward tribal areas, he found schools without teachers, absence of doctors and nurses in hospitals and lack of drinking water facilities.

 

"The state government must prepare a policy to ensure that the tribal areas get their share as other areas get," he said.

Referring to the Forest Rights Act, Uraon said the law was being misused to infringe on the rights of tribals and added that the forest department must be sensitive while dealing with members of the community.

Citing the example of Mana area in Chamoli district, where tribals along with their cattle migrate to lower areas during winters, the Chairman said that the forest department must carry out a survey and allow them to live in their settlements during the period.

He also expressed concern over reports that the land of Tharu and Boxa tribes in Udhamsingh Nagar district was being grabbed by non-tribals and dubbed it an "atrocity".

"I will convene a meeting in the commission's headquarters over the issue," he said.